On today's episode Kyler welcomes filmmaker Matthew Avant to discuss his compelling new documentary pilot, Roots and Relics. Inspired by his father’s passion for history and a lifetime spent visiting historic sites, Matthew has created a show that focuses on the deep-seated stories behind family heirlooms. The conversation explores the project's origins, starting with Matthew’s early days filming family interviews in 2001 and evolving into a series that uses unique artifacts as windows into the past.

A central highlight of the discussion is the fascinating history of Blacktail Ranch, where Matthew filmed his pilot. He recounts the harrowing story of a 19th-century miner named Joe Baker, whose final words were discovered etched into a limestone rock after a grizzly bear attack—a "final text" from 1881 that now sits in a family museum alongside a 5-mile-deep cavern filled with 13,000-year-old artifacts. Beyond the history, Matthew shares insights into his creative process, working with host J.D. Hart, and his diverse background in sci-fi and horror filmmaking. Be sure to catch the screening of Roots and Relics at Dances with Films in New York City on Saturday, January 17th at 3:00 PM.

---

Episode Links:

• IG: @rootsandrelicstv
• Media Savant
• Dances with Films
• Blacktail Ranch

In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler Bingham talks with award-winning biographer Carla Kaplan about her latest book, Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford. Jessica Mitford, or "Decca," was a member of the famously eccentric British aristocracy who famously defected from her privileged upbringing to become a passionate Marxist and a legendary muckraking journalist in America. Kaplan discusses the fascinating and often dark history of the six Mitford sisters—whose lives spanned the political spectrum from Communism to Fascism—and how Decca used her "hold-your-sides funny" humor as a powerful tool for social activism. From her world-changing exposé of the funeral industry, The American Way of Death, to her tireless work against police brutality in Oakland, this conversation highlights how Mitford's relentless spirit and refusal to succumb to despair offer a vital roadmap for navigating the political tensions of the current moment.

Thanks for listening!

Episode Links:

• Purchase Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford
• CarlaKaplan.com

In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler Bingham sits down with actor and producer Shaun Wu to discuss his compelling new narrative pilot, Henry by the Hour, which is making its world premiere at Dances With Films in New York.

Inspired by the real-world "rental family" services in Japan and the pervasive sense of modern isolation, Shaun explores the profound "beautiful sadness" of paid companionship. The series follows Henry, a professional "rental friend" who navigates the unique needs of his clients—ranging from a simple physical presence in a quiet room to playing the role of a boyfriend to satisfy family expectations.

Thanks for listening!

---

Screening Information:

If you are in New York City, catch the world premiere of Henry by the Hour:

Date: January 17th 12:45 PMLocation: Regal Cinemas, Union Square 10

Episode Links:

Instagram: @shaunqwu & @henrybythehour

In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, I’m joined by director Deborah Correa to discuss her new film, The War Between. Based on a story and novella by Ron Yungul, the film explores a lesser-known chapter of the American Civil War: the conflict within the Arizona Territory and New Mexico. Deborah shares the fascinating history behind the California Column, a volunteer force that pushed the Confederacy out of Southern California and Arizona, and discusses how the production achieved such striking authenticity by shooting on location in the exact areas where the historic Battle of Picacho Peak took place.

We also dive into the logistics of pulling off an ambitious indie period piece on a 15-day shoot. Deborah highlights the importance of her collaborative team and the deep research that went into the film, including her commitment to working with Apache and Navajo consultants to ensure cultural reverence and accuracy.

Thanks for listening!

---

The War Between is available now on Amazon, Fandango, and at thewarbetweenfilm.com

How does our awareness evolve, and what role does kindness play in that journey? Brian Joel Jolly (Evolving Awareness: Why Kindness Matters) joins Kyler to discuss consciousness and his unique take on the biblical creation story. It’s a conversation about how we see the world, how we connect with one another, and why our perspective on "reality" changes everything.

Great book, great chat!

---

Episode Links:

• Purchase Evolving Awareness
• MakeLessNoise.com

Kyler welcomes back a long-time friend of the show, author Chip Jacobs. Chip is here to chat about his brand new novel, Later Days.

The book is a personal one—it weaves together parts of Chip's own life and the moving story of his friend Tom, all set during their high school years.

We dive deep into friendship, forgiveness, and how memory shapes us. Great book, great chat!

Thanks for listening.

---

Episode Links:

• PURCHASE Later Days
• Chip's Website

This week, we sit down with filmmaker Joe D'Ovidio.

Joe joins us to discuss his short film, A Drive at Dawn, which has been a strong presence on the festival circuit, including a run at the highly-regarded FilmQuest.

Find Joe D'Ovidio on Instagram: @joe.dovidio

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

Today on the show I welcome back Bruce Wagner. Bruce is one of my all-time favorite authors and he is here to talk about his latest novel AMPUTATION.

"AMPUTATION is the first novel to be written about the inferno that obliterated two Los Angeles cities in January of 2025. Major characters are comedian Stephen Colbert; Karen Bass; a Timothée Chalamet stunt double; a fiercely pro-Palestinian heiress and her Zionist father; disgraced Grey’s Anatomy writer Elisabeth Finch and a failed indie film producer—along with an assorted battalion of ordinary people, opportunists, and looters.

A fable drenched in hyperrealism, AMPUTATION is a burnt jewel box showcasing Wagner's transcendent, scabrously poetic powers as he explores the lives (and deaths) of the fire victims, and the consequences of dereliction, delusion, incompetence—and impermanence." (Source: Arcade Publishing)"

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

---

Episode Links:

• Purchase AMPUTATION
• BruceWagner.la

---

SLD Episodes with Bruce Wagner:

• Episode 273 - The Met Gala & Tales of Saints and Seekers
• Episode 84 - ROAR: American Master
• Episode 53 - The Marvel Universe: Origin Stories

On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler sits down with author and musician Daniel Gard'ner to talk about his novel, Desert Songs. Daniel shares how decades in the music industry led him to write this rock and roll L.A. noir, built around the characters Cash and Slim. It's a candid conversation about the reality of band dynamics, friendship, and the pressures of success—a fascinating look at the intersection of music, writing, and the artistic life. Great chat, great book!

Thanks for listening.

---

Episode Links:

• Purchase Desert Songs
• Follow Daniel on Instagram

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, we welcome back the talented Gary Lippman to discuss his latest book, I Wish, Therefore I Am. In this episode, Kyler and Gary discuss the creative process behind the book, exploring the significance of titles and the role of wishes in our lives. Gary shares his insights on how he arrived at the catchy title and the unique structure of the book, which he affectionately refers to as his "kitchen sink book."

Great book, great chat! Thanks for listening.

---

Episode Links:

• Visit Gary's Website
• Purchase I Wish, Therefore I Am

Previous Episodes with Gary:

• Episode 5
• Episode 74