Salt Lake Dirt

Salt Lake Dirt is wrapping up its coverage FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there. Check it out!

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2025 FilmQuest

Episode 353

Film: The Waking Call

Guest: Riccardo Suriano

Watch the Trailer

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On the Radio on 11/3/25

• KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos

• KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz

• KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR

• www.kpcr.org

• www.saltlakedirt.com
  

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, we welcome back William Cooper to discuss his new novel, The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld. In this episode, Kyler and Will dive deep into the complex character of Rumsfeld, exploring the nuances of his personality and the historical context that shaped his decisions. Will shares how the events of September 11th sparked his interest in politics and led him to create a narrative that humanizes a figure often viewed as distant and unrelatable.

As they discuss the book's themes, listeners will discover the intriguing concept of alternate history and how it allows for a fresh perspective on real-life figures. Will reveals his writing process, the challenges of portraying a controversial character, and the irony behind some of Rumsfeld's most famous quotes. This engaging conversation showcases the intricacies of human nature, the impact of ego on decision-making, and the lessons learned from history.

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Episode Links:

• Visit Will's Website
• Subscribe to Will's Substack
• Books and More with William Cooper

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Previous Episodes with Will:

• Episode 305: A Quiet Life
• Episode 314: How America Works

Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there. 

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2025 FilmQuest

Episode 351

Film: Stomach It

Guest: Peter Klausner

• IG: @stomachitfilm
• IG: @klausnerpeter

Logline: While struggling to emotionally detach from the deceased, a crime scene cleaner believes a monstrous presence is toying with him.

On the Radio on 11/17/25

• KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos

• KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz

• KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR

• www.kpcr.org

• www.saltlakedirt.com
  

This week Kelly Cervantes joins me on Salt Lake Dirt. She is the author of the new memoir, The Luckiest: A Memoir of Love, Loss, Motherhood, and the Pursuit of Self. Kelly takes us on an emotional journey through her life, exploring the complexities of motherhood, the depths of grief, and the transformative power of love.

Kelly shares the inspiration behind her memoir, which is beautifully structured around the metaphor of nesting dolls. She reflects on her experiences navigating the highs and lows of life, particularly the challenges faced when her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy just as her husband achieved a career milestone. Kelly's vulnerability and honesty shine through as she discusses the importance of embracing all parts of oneself, including the painful chapters of life.

We talk about themes of perfectionism and people-pleasing, as Kelly opens up about the pressures women face and the struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst societal expectations. With grace and insight, she encourages listeners to find compassion for their past selves and to recognize the beauty in their journeys.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• PURCHASE The Luckiest
• Visit Kelly's Website
• Follow Kelly on Instagram
• Subscribe to Kelly's Substack
• Cure Epilepsy
• UDNF.org

Salt Lake Dirt has been covering FilmQuest the past couple of weeks. FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there.  Enjoy these interviews!

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2025 FilmQuest

Episode 349

Film: The Vanity

Guest: Megan Rosati

SYNOPSIS: In the near future, a young couple makes their living as influencers for a new social media platform: THE VANITY. But when THE VANITY upgrades to AI, the horrific visions it shows forces them to decide what matters most: their online following, or each other.

• IG: @thevanityfilm
• IG: @meganrosati
• meganrosati.com

On the Radio on 11/3/25

• KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos

• KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz

• KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR

• www.kpcr.org

• www.saltlakedirt.com
  

Today I welcome author Cairo Smith to discuss his new book, Scenebux. In this thought-provoking narrative, we follow Ben, a 25-year-old grappling with a quarter-life crisis in San Francisco as he embarks on a whirlwind adventure through a tech-driven world filled with eccentric characters and existential dilemmas.

Cairo shares insights into his writing process, revealing how he meticulously crafted the plot and details that define Ben's journey. From his background in filmmaking to the unique blend of noir and picaresque storytelling, Cairo's passion for storytelling made for a fascinating episode. Thanks for listening!

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Episode Links

• Visit Cairo Smith's Website
• Purchase Scenebux on Amazon

Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there. 

2025 FilmQuest

Episode 347

Film: M.U.B. (Monster Under the Bed)

Guest: Serena Dykman

IG: @serena_dykman

www.serenadykman.com

SYNOPSIS: A one-night stand takes a surreal turn when a childhood Monster creeps from Under the Bed.

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On the Radio on 11/3/25:

• KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos

• KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz

• KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR

• www.kpcr.org

• www.saltlakedirt.com
  

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, we dive into the mind of author John Vines as he discusses his debut novel, The World is Angry. A geologist by career, John reveals how his passion for storytelling has led him to create a gripping psychological thriller that intertwines the lives of three friends with a chilling serial killer.

Set against the backdrop of a haunting New Orleans, the story follows three protagonists as they confront their pasts while being pursued by a killer with a twisted rationale. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with their own demons, leading to a suspenseful chase that keeps readers guessing who is truly hunting whom.

John shares his writing process, from outlining chapters to the importance of setting aside dedicated time to write. He reflects on his inspirations, including the literary giants that have influenced his work, and discusses the balance between creativity and discipline in writing.

Join us for an insightful conversation about the craft of writing. Thanks for listening!

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Episode Links

• Instagram: @johnvinesofficial
• Purchase The World is Angry on Amazon

Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there. 

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2025 FilmQuest

Episode 345

Film: Margaret the Brave

Guest: Danny Chandia

SYNOPSIS: A recently-divorced professor of mythology tries to inspire his teenage daughter with a fairy tale on the night she leaves home to live with her mother, but considering the state of the world- it will take more than fantasy to reach her.

IG: @desertcactusfilms

On the Radio on 11/3/25:

• KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos

• KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz

• KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR

• www.kpcr.org

• www.saltlakedirt.com
  

Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there. 

---

2025 FilmQuest

Episode 344

Film: NIGHTFALL

Guest: Guy Hershler

SYNOPSIS: Haunted by guilt, a young man seeks forgiveness from a grieving mother – only to be sucked into a nightmarish night of chilling truths.

• IMDb
• Festival Formula

On the Radio on 11/3/25:

• KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos

• KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz

• KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR

• www.kpcr.org

• www.saltlakedirt.com