In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Nevius sits down with cozy mystery author Liz Mugavero, who also writes as Cate Conte, to explore the creative world of cats, crime, and a little bit of magic.

Liz is the author behind multiple beloved cozy mystery series, including the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries, the Cat Café Mysteries, and the paranormal Full Moon Mysteries. Known for her charming settings, strong female leads, and animal-centered storytelling, she has built a loyal readership that loves both the comfort and intrigue of her books.

In this engaging conversation, Liz shares how her dual author identity came to be, her lifelong fascination with crime and human behavior, and how she balances plotting and “pantsing” when crafting her mysteries. She also dives into the inspiration behind her cozy worlds—blending community, cats, and even witchcraft into stories that keep readers hooked.

We also discuss:
- Why cozy mysteries are more popular than ever
- How animals and magical elements enhance storytelling
- The challenges of writing and publishing in today’s industry
- Tips for new writers trying to stay motivated and get started
- Building a supportive, creative community through her Creativity Lab

Whether you're a writer, a mystery lover, or just someone who enjoys a good story with heart, humor, and a hint of suspense—this episode is for you.

Learn more about Liz Mugavero / Cate Conte and her books:
👉 https://www.cateconte.com

🎙️ Don’t forget to follow Plot Twist Radio for more author interviews, writing insights, and behind-the-scenes creative conversations.

What happens when vivid dreams turn into a novel — and the research behind it begins to mirror real world events?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Nevius sits down with author and retired U.S. Navy officer Fred Oliver, whose debut novel Dormant Angels explores the idea that unseen forces may be shaping the direction of our world.

Inspired by powerful dreams and grounded in extensive research on geopolitics, religion, and global events, Dormant Angels blends fiction with thought-provoking questions about prophecy, faith, and the future of humanity.

Fred shares how his military background shaped his discipline as a writer, how personal tragedy and caregiving influenced his creative journey, and why his novel ultimately carries a message of unity between the world’s major faiths.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How dreams inspired the concept behind Dormant Angels
• The research process behind faith-based and geopolitical thrillers
• The influence of authors like Dan Brown
• Writing as therapy during difficult life moments
• The intersection of faith, prophecy, and current world events
• Fred’s upcoming investigative novel Two Poisons

If you enjoy mystery thrillers, faith-based fiction, conspiracy stories, and the creative journeys of authors, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

📚 Dormant Angels and Fred’s other books are available on Amazon, and you can connect with him on Facebook.

🎙️ Plot Twist Radio features conversations with authors, storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives about the unexpected paths that lead to powerful stories.

What if the future wasn’t something you simply reacted to—but something you could anticipate and shape?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Nevius sits down with Daniel Burrus, world-renowned futurist, strategic advisor, and bestselling author of Flash Foresight and The Anticipatory Organization. Daniel has advised Fortune 500 companies, global leaders, and major organizations on how to navigate technological disruption and identify opportunities before they become obvious.

During this fascinating conversation, Daniel explains how individuals and businesses can learn to predict change, solve seemingly impossible problems, and leverage emerging technologies like AI without losing the human element that drives innovation.

Daniel also shares insights from decades of research into technological trends, including how identifying “hard trends” and “soft trends” can help leaders anticipate the future instead of simply reacting to it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why AI should augment human intelligence—not replace it
• The difference between hard trends and soft trends and why they matter
• How leaders anticipate disruption before it happens
• Why sometimes the best solution is to skip the problem entirely
• The power of storytelling in business, innovation, and leadership
• How anyone can develop the mindset of a futurist

If you’re interested in technology, innovation, AI, business strategy, or the future of leadership, this episode will completely change the way you think about what’s coming next.

Learn more about Daniel Burrus and access his free AI strategy resources at burrus.com and aistrategyreport.com.

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz sits down with writer Nina Camp, author of the novel Predicting Belinda, to talk about the winding creative journey that led her from copywriting and personal essays to long-form fiction.

Nina shares how her background in advertising, music, and storytelling shaped her voice, and how writing became a way to explore life’s emotional chaos with humor and honesty. The conversation dives into the challenges of moving from short personal essays to novel writing, the role of vulnerability in storytelling, and why so many writers discover their strongest creative voice in midlife.

We also explore the themes behind Predicting Belinda, a novel about intuition, relationships, self-discovery, and what happens when predictions about our future collide with real life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between essay writing and novel writing

• Why humor helps us process difficult emotions

• The power of introversion in creative observation

• Midlife creativity and finding your voice later in life

• The inspiration behind Predicting Belinda

If you love conversations about writing, creativity, personal growth, and the messy reality behind great stories, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Nina Camp and her work at NinaCamp.com.

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz sits down with children’s book author Lori Orlinsky, creator of the Being Me series, to talk about writing stories that help kids navigate confidence, identity, and growing up.

Lori’s journey into children’s literature began with a personal moment—when her young daughter struggled with teasing about being the smallest child in class. That experience inspired her debut book, Being Small Isn’t So Bad After All, which went on to sell more than 10,000 copies. Since then, Lori has continued writing books designed to help children understand themselves and feel empowered through storytelling.

In this conversation, Erin and Lori discuss Lori’s latest book, Being Middle, a heartfelt and humorous celebration of middle children everywhere. They explore how books can help parents start important conversations with their kids, the role humor and rhyme play in engaging young readers, and why literacy remains one of the most important tools for a child’s lifelong success.

They also talk about:

• How children’s books can teach emotional resilience
• Why reading challenges and audiobooks help kids discover a love of books
• Lori’s unique writing process and how ideas come to her throughout the day
• The importance of helping kids feel seen, understood, and confident in who they are

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, author, or lifelong reader, this episode is a thoughtful look at how storytelling can shape young minds and build confidence from an early age.

Learn more about Lori Orlinsky and her books at loriolinskyauthor.com, and follow her on social media @loriolinskyauthor.

What happens when a humor-loving author teams up with an illustrator whose imagination runs wild? You get the wonderfully weird and creative Snoodles universe.

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz sits down with author Steven Joseph and illustrator Andy Case, the creative duo behind the Snoodles in Space children’s book series. Steven, an attorney by day and storyteller by night, shares how humor, psychology, and a lifetime of observations inspire his quirky characters and meaningful themes. Andy, an accomplished illustrator who has worked on more than 40 books, explains how he transforms Steven’s stories into vibrant worlds packed with hidden details, strange creatures, and visual jokes for both kids and adults.

The two discuss their collaborative process, how music helped inspire their latest book Escape from Zoodle Trash, and why creative partnerships thrive when artists are willing to experiment, revise, and push each other’s ideas further.

They also share what’s next for the Snoodles universe—including the exciting possibility of bringing the series to television.

If you love imaginative storytelling, creative collaborations, and a peek behind the scenes of children’s publishing, this episode is for you.

Learn more:
Steven Joseph – stevenjosephauthor.com
Andy Case – andycaseillustration.com

What if the bravest thing a child can do is simply be themselves?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin Egnatz sits down with author Derek Amarillas, creator of the imaginative children’s book Socko the Flamingo with Tennis Shoes. Through the story of a flamingo who embraces his uniqueness, with the help of some very bold sneakers, Derek explores themes of courage, identity, and emotional literacy in a way that’s playful, accessible, and deeply meaningful for young readers.

During the conversation, Derek shares the inspiration behind Socko, how imagination can help children understand their feelings, and why stories that celebrate being different are so important for kids (and adults) alike.

Erin and Derek also discuss the creative journey of bringing a children’s book to life, from collaborating with illustrators to building a larger storytelling universe that supports social-emotional learning in classrooms.

You’ll also hear about Derek’s literacy outreach, his upcoming classroom resources for educators, and what’s next for the growing world of Socko.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, writer, or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the greatest courage is embracing what makes you unique.

Where to find Derek:

Instagram

Amazon

From Wall Street to Rural India: Dr. Abraham George’s Life of Service

On this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with Dr. Abraham George, soldier, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social reformer, whose life journey is the definition of a true plot twist.

After building a successful business career in the United States, Dr. George made the remarkable decision to leave it behind and dedicate his life to helping some of the poorest and most marginalized communities in rural India. For the past three decades, he has worked on initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, education, and social justice.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. George shares the experiences that shaped his mission, the challenges of working within complex systems of bureaucracy and inequality, and the powerful lessons he’s learned along the way.

We also discuss his newly released memoir, Mountains to Cross, which reflects on the defining moments of his life and the message he hopes readers will carry forward: compassion matters, but action is what truly changes lives.

If you’ve ever wondered how one person can make a difference in the world, this episode is for you.

Where to find Dr. George:

Dr Abraham George – Philanthropist & Founder, Shanti BhavanInstagram

What if the blocks holding you back aren’t just mental but energetic?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with Katia Davis, intuitive purpose coach and Reiki master teacher based in Hilo, Hawaii. Katia shares how she sees energy blocks as tangible images (swords, chains, even snakes) and how those blocks connect to emotional patterns in our lives.

Together, they explore:
✨ What Reiki actually feels like (including Erin’s unexpected “energy high”)
✨ How chakras work and why your throat chakra might be calling you out
✨ The connection between nature, grounding, and frequency
✨ Why spiritual exploration doesn’t have to be scary
✨ Quick ways to shift your energy when you’re stuck in a funk

From ghost hunting to energy healing, this conversation dives into the unseen forces that shape our experiences — and how we can work with them instead of against them.

Whether you’re spiritually seasoned or simply curious, this episode invites you to open the door just a little.

Connect with Katia at Inner Rainbow Healing and take her chakra quiz to discover which energy center may need attention.

Because sometimes… the biggest plot twist is within.

Where to fins Katia:

Chakra Healing, Reiki & Purpose Coaching | Inner Rainbow Healing with Katia DavisInstagram

What happens when you walk away from a 14-year career, board a plane, and decide to write the book you can’t find on the shelves?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with travel blogger and aspiring novelist Michelle Jensen to talk about reinvention, resilience, and chasing adventure; both on the page and in real life.

Michelle shares:

• Her leap from television post-production to full-time travel blogging

• Spending four and a half months traveling solo through Europe

• Swimming with sharks in Belize (and climbing Maya ruins)

• Writing an Indiana Jones inspired adventure novel during lockdown

• Surviving over two years in the querying trenches

• And the emotional shift that came after leaving the career she’d built since she was 18

This conversation is honest, funny, and refreshingly real about what it takes to pivot your life and keep going when the “yes” hasn’t come yet.

If you’ve ever dreamed of reinventing yourself, traveling solo, or writing the story you wish existed… this one’s for you.

Where You Can Find Michelle:

TravelHerStory.com
@MichelleWritesANovel