Salt Lake Dirt

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I'm excited to welcome author Samuel Ashworth to discuss his new novel, The Death and Life of August Sweeney. This unique narrative intertwines the life story of a celebrity chef with the autopsy performed by a brilliant pathologist, Dr. Maya Zhu, creating a rich tapestry of humor, insight, and reflection on the human experience.

Sam shares the genesis of his novel, detailing the fascinating research he undertook to authentically portray the world of autopsies and the restaurant industry. We delve into the contrasting lives of August and Maya, exploring themes of consumption, desire, and the often-avoided topic of death. Through their stories, Sam illustrates how understanding death can transform our appreciation for life.

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• PURCHASE The Death and Life of August Sweeney
• Sam's website

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I'm thrilled to welcome back author Shannon Waite to discuss her new short story collection, The Women. Following her interactive novel Raising Women, Shannon presents a captivating companion piece featuring 39 stories that delve into the lives of the characters we met before.

Shannon shares her creative process, detailing how the collection serves as an "expansion pack" that enhances the original narrative. Each story offers a unique perspective, allowing readers to explore the complexities of identity and the challenges faced by women at different stages of life. The interconnectedness of the characters creates a subtle narrative thread that binds the collection together, reflecting themes of agency, societal expectations, and intergenerational trauma.

Join us for an insightful conversation that not only celebrates the art of storytelling but also sheds light on the nuanced experiences of women navigating their paths in life. Don't miss this episode!

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Shannon's Website
• Purchase The Women
• Shannon on SLD earlier in 2025

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I'm thrilled to welcome author Ivy Pochoda to discuss her new novel, Ecstasy. Ivy shares her journey into writing this literary crime fiction piece, which explores the complexities of identity, relationships, and the haunting echoes of the past.

In our conversation, we delve into the inspiration behind Ecstasy, as Ivy reflects on her unique approach to storytelling and the motivations that drive her characters. We discuss the intertwining themes of horror and societal oppression, particularly how they affect women's lives, and how Ivy's background in Ancient Greek literature influenced her narrative choices.

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links

• Purchase Ecstasy
• IvyPochoda.com
• IG: @ladymissivy

Episode 320

Guest: Lauren Ashley

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This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I'm excited to welcome actress Lauren Ashley. Join us as we dive into a nostalgic conversation about the allure of vintage television and cinema, exploring how shows like I Love Lucy and The Golden Girls sparked her passion for old Hollywood.

Lauren shares her journey of discovering classic films during her childhood, recounting how late-night marathons on Nick at Nite opened her eyes to the golden age of television.

We discuss the impact of iconic figures like Lucille Ball and the connections to her own creative aspirations, as well as the thrill of meeting legendary stars and the importance of preserving film history.

From her experiences working on Hollywood Graveyard projects like The Tomb of Nosferatu to Graves from the Black Lagoon, Lauren reflects on the challenges and joys of filmmaking, including the excitement of collaborating with industry veterans.

We also touch on the unique community that surrounds classic film fandom and the significance of cemeteries as a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate the artistry of the past.

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Linktree: @folklaur
• Follow Lauren on Instagram
• Watch The Tomb of Nosferatu
• Watch Graves from the Black Lagoon

Episode 319

Guest: Julie Clark

Novel: The Ghostwriter

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This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I'm excited to welcome author Julie Clark to discuss her gripping new novel, The Ghostwriter. In this thrilling narrative, we follow Olivia Dumont, a ghostwriter on the brink of financial collapse, who is unexpectedly summoned by her estranged father, the notorious horror author Vincent Taylor. As she delves into the dark past surrounding his family, Olivia uncovers shocking truths that challenge her understanding of her own life and the legacy of her father's infamous history.

Julie shares the inspiration behind The Ghostwriter, exploring the complexities of family dynamics, the challenges faced by ghostwriters, and the intricate web of storytelling that shapes our perceptions of truth and memory. We discuss the unique character of Olivia, her investigative spirit, and the emotional journey she undertakes as she confronts her family's dark secrets.

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Julie Clark's Website
• Purchase The Ghostwriter

Guest: Megan Abbott

Novel: El Dorado Drive

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This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I’m thrilled to welcome back one of my favorite authors. Megan Abbott joins me to talk about her latest novel, El Dorado Drive. Megan explores the complexities of suburban life, focusing on the Bishop sisters, who navigate the murky waters of economic uncertainty and the allure of dubious money-making schemes.

Megan shares the inspiration behind El Dorado Drive, reflecting on her fascination with the rise of women engaging in various financial operations during challenging times. Set against the backdrop of her hometown, Grosse Pointe, a suburb of Detroit, the narrative captures the essence of a community grappling with the fallout of the auto industry's decline and the personal struggles of its residents.

El Dorado Drive a must-read. Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Purchase El Dorado Drive
• Megan Abbott's Website
• SLD Episode 120 (Beware the Woman)
• SLD Episode 43 (The Turnout)

Episode 317

Guest: Mike Bockoven

Novel: Come Knocking

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This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I'm excited to welcome author Mike Bockoven to discuss his new novel, Come Knocking, set to release on July 1st on Skyhorse Publishing. This thrilling narrative blends elements of horror and interactive theater, offering readers a unique experience that delves into the darker sides of human behavior and entitlement.

Mike shares the inspiration behind Come Knocking where he explores the chaos that ensues when an interactive theater production goes horribly wrong. With a background in community theater and a passion for horror, Mike discusses how the dynamics of audience interaction can shift dramatically as popularity grows, leading to a spiral of entitlement and cruelty.

We dive into the literary influences that shaped his writing, including the haunting themes found in Dante’s Inferno and The Canterbury Tales. Mike reflects on his journey as a writer, the challenges of crafting distinct voices for each character, and the importance of creativity in the face of adversity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Purchase on Amazon
• MikeBockoven.com
• Purchase at Sower Books (Lincoln, NE)

Salt Lake Dirt with Kyler Bingham

Episode 316

Guest: Ewan Morrison

Book: For Emma

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This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I’m thrilled to welcome author Ewan Morrison to discuss his new novel, For Emma, set to release on June 17th. This haunting narrative follows Josh, a father grappling with the loss of his daughter Emma, who tragically died during a brain chip experiment. As he spirals into grief, Josh begins to hear Emma's voice guiding him towards a path of revenge against those he holds responsible for her death.

Ewan dives deep into the complexities of parental grief, the moral ambiguities of revenge, and the chilling implications of modern technology. He shares the inspiration behind the story, rooted in his own experiences with loss and the haunting presence of loved ones after they are gone. Through Josh's recordings to Emma, we explore the intimate connection between a father and daughter, as well as the darker themes of mental health and societal pressures.

Join us as we unpack the emotional weight of Ewan's writing, the philosophical questions raised by Emma's insatiable curiosity, and the broader implications of AI in our lives. This conversation is sure to resonate with anyone who has grappled with loss, identity, and the quest for understanding in a rapidly changing world.

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Ewan Morrison's Website
• Purchase For Emma
• Substack: @untopia

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SLD Links:

• Salt Lake Dirt
• Substack

Episode 315

Guest: Matthew Gasda

Novel: The Sleepers

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This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I’m excited to welcome writer, director, and critic Matthew Gasda to discuss his new novel The Sleepers. This intricate narrative weaves together the lives of three characters, offering readers a deep dive into their internal struggles and the contrasting perceptions of their outward lives.

Matthew shares the fascinating genesis of his book, revealing how a moment of inspiration sparked the initial writing process back in 2017. He reflects on the evolution of the story, noting the shifts in cultural context that occurred during its long journey to publication. With a background in playwriting, Matthew discusses how his approach to character dialogue and narrative structure has influenced the novel, making it feel both modern and reminiscent of classic literature.

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Purchase The Sleepers
• The Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research
• Substack: @matthewgasda
• IG: @bkcentertheatreresearch

Salt Lake Dirt with Kyler Bingham

Episode 314

Guest: William Cooper

Book: How America Works ... And Why it Doesn't

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This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I’m thrilled to welcome back author William Cooper to discuss his insightful nonfiction book, How America Works and Why It Doesn't. In this thought-provoking guide, Will delves into the intricacies of the U.S. political system, exploring the deep-rooted dysfunction that continues to shape our democracy.

Will shares his motivations for writing the book, which stem from his observations during and after the Trump presidency. He highlights the alarming polarization in American politics and the role of tribalism and social media in exacerbating these divides. Through engaging anecdotes and clear analysis, he sheds light on the challenges of civic ignorance and the importance of understanding our political institutions.

Join us as we explore key themes such as confirmation bias, the impact of social media on political discourse, and the historical warnings from our founding fathers about the dangers of political factions. Will's accessible approach makes this a must-read for anyone looking to better understand the complexities of American governance.

Thanks for tuning in!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Will-Cooper.com
• Purchase the Book
• Listen to our previous interview with Will