Dive into the mesmerizing mind of acclaimed science fiction author Bruce McAllister.

McAllister’s first story, “The Faces Outside,” was published to acclaim when he was 16, earning him the label “science fiction prodigy.” Since then he has spent five decades venturing into the darkest realms of fantasy. His other books include "Kin," "Dream Baby," and "The Village Sang to the Sea: A Memoir of Magic." When he isn’t writing fiction and poetry, he serves as a writing coach to new and established writers of all kinds of fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and does work as a publishing consultant. On this episode, he joins us to discuss his latest collection of short stories in a conversation that spans everything from the craft of writing and AI to the Vietnam War and Scientology.

It is a story that reads like one of today’s popular fiction crime novels — a 1920s village midwife known as “Auntie Suzy” had a knack for murder. And many of the women in her village were quick to adopt her murderous methods. And their dark secret remained undetected for more than 15 years. In her book “The Angel Makers: Arsenic, A Midwife, and Modern History’s Most Astonishing Murder Ring,” award-winning journalist Patti McCracken has pieced together the lives of Auntie Suzy, her wide network of killers, the unsuspecting victims, and the villagers who witnessed it all. She joins host Dr. Alan Campbell to discuss the book, her research, and why she was drawn to this project that took her 14-years to write. https://pattimccracken.com

What was once the stuff of science fiction has become reality. Robots are being used today for everything from fixing automobiles to exploring space, and they are increasingly becoming more human-like. Well-known roboticist Dr. Dennis Hong is the inventor of a number of cutting edge robots including those that can walk, climb, dance, and even play soccer. He also invented the world’s first car that can be driven by the blind. How will this technology change our world? On this week's episode of Watching America, host Dr. Alan Cambell speaks with Hong about the possibilities and the next evolution in robotics engineering. https://www.romela.org/

Ancient stoic philosopher Seneca provided time-tested wisdom in his day. Does any of it still apply? Author and speaker David Fideler says it does - and it can help us foster true contentment. Ancient philosophy meets modern relevance as Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with Fideler about his book, “Breakfast with Seneca: A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living.“ Fideler believes these ancient principles can equip you with the tools to face life's challenges head-on. In this intriguing conversation, we explore the art of distinguishing between what you can and cannot control, and embracing a mindset that fosters true contentment. Discover how stoicism's core principles of resilience, self-control and mindfulness can transform your life and help you navigate adversity with grace. https://davidfideler.com

Author and prominent social critic Os Guinness believes there are moments in our lives that prompt us to search for a deeper meaning. Sociologist Peter Berger described these as "signals of transcendence" that awaken us to unseen realities. How do we find them? And what would happen if we were to follow where they lead? This week on Watching America, Dr. Alan Campbell explores this idea with Os as they discuss his new book, "Signals of Transcendence: Listening to the Promptings of Life." https://osguinness.com

He went from a background singer for Elvis to singing center stage with one of the most well-known quartets in music history. Richard Sterban, bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, recently celebrated 50 years with the iconic group, and he has published a book about his journey, “From Elvis to Elvira: My Life On Stage.“ Dr. Alan Campbell hears about his early days with Elvis, learns about his love of fine wine and sailing, and enjoys some little-known stories from his time on the road. In this endearing and intimate conversation, Sterban shares the original inspiration behind the hit song “Elvira” — spoiler: it wasn’t a woman. And he discusses which well-known singer encouraged the group to stick it out when they were questioning their future in the industry. https://richardsterban.com

Human trafficking, gangs, drugs — Holly Harris never expected these things to become a part of her life. But at just 19 years old, her choices led her to a prison sentence and to the realization that something had to change. Now she hopes her experiences can help others on a similar path. On this week’s episode of Watching America, Harris discusses her book “Relentless Survivor” with host Dr. Alan Campbell. She shares about her journey and how she found her way out of this dangerous lifestyle. https://www.authorhollyharris.com

When her daughter’s life spiraled out of control, Sally Harris found her own life in a tailspin. Her daughter had been traveling down a self-destructive path since her teen years. After heavily using drugs and alcohol, her daughter became a victim of sex trafficking. There were times Sally didn’t know where she was or if she was safe. The worried mom’s methods of coping led to Sally’s own addiction and a struggle with depression and anxiety. In this episode of Watching America, she speaks with host Dr. Alan Campbell about how a health scare made her realize things had to change. Now, she is on a mission to help other mothers of defiant adult children learn strategies to overcome anxiety and fear, and to help them regain their own lives in the process. https://www.sally-harris.com

Few people have survived the nightmare of a stem cell transplant gone sideways. Poet and professor Brad Buchanan was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell lymphoma in February 2015, and after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, underwent a stem cell transplant at the U.C. Davis Medical Center in 2016. The transplant entailed 129 days in the hospital, a significant though temporary loss of vision and a lengthy recovery period at home. During this time, he experienced yet another medical complication. After participating in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering, he was declared cancer-free in early 2017, and is currently still in remission. However, his acute graft-versus-host disease has become a chronic illness, and he was forced to retire early from Sacramento State. He now co-facilitates a writing workshop aimed at helping people dealing with issues of illness, disability and recovery. “Chimera,” his fourth book of poetry, explores his ordeal and his amazing recovery. In this week’s episode of Watching America, he speaks with Dr. Alan Campbell about his journey. https://www.bradthechimera.com.

A new documentary by local university professors examines the role of prayer in movies. From devout religious ritual to irreverent monologues played for comedy, what do these prayers say about us and about American culture? This week on Watching America we hear from Dr. Terry Lindvall, a professor at Virginia Wesleyan University. He is one of the filmmakers of the new film "Hollywood, Teach Us To Pray." He discusses the role of prayer in movies through the ages. “With events like the recent one which involved many rallying around NFL player Damar Hamlin and actually praying on ESPN, we realize the centrality of our need to talk to and hear from God.” https://hollywoodteachustopray.com