Join Jo on What's Kraken as we dive deep with thriller author John Bukowski, who made the fascinating transition from veterinarian to bestselling writer. Discover how his medical background fuels his techno-thrillers, including "Project Suicide" - a gripping tale about an Alzheimer's cure turned assassination weapon. John shares invaluable insights about the publishing world, from navigating traditional publishers to avoiding vanity presses, plus the brutal reality of rejection in the writing industry. We explore his research process, the importance of professional editing, and why starting your writing career at any age is possible. Whether you're an aspiring author or thriller fan, this conversation is packed with practical advice about contracts, beta readers, and building a sustainable writing career. John's latest releases include "The Peeper" and upcoming "Bad Pennies.

Key Topics Covered

 * John's transition from veterinarian to thriller writer
 * How medical training enhances thriller writing authenticity
 * "Project Suicide" - Medical techno-thriller about weaponized Alzheimer's cure
 * Publishing industry realities: rejection, contracts, and publisher relationships
 * The importance of professional editing and beta readers
 * Research balance in fiction writing
 * Starting a writing career at any age
 * Current and upcoming book releases

Guest Information & Links

John Bukowski - Thriller Author

 * Website: thrillerjohnb.net
 * Amazon Author Page: jbukowskiauthor.com
 * Latest Release: "The Peeper" (May 2025)
 * Upcoming: "Bad Pennies" sequel

Connect with Empty Hell

Host: Jo Szewczyk
All Empty Hell Links: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell
What's Kraken Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon

From Veterinarian to Thriller Writer: John Bukowski's Journey from Science to Suspense

Join us this week, when we speak to Eli Lewis-Lycett an independent writer and podcaster specialising in the history and folklore of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire UK.

In October 2020 he founded The Local Mythstorian, a multi-media project designed to promote the extraordinary local histories of the three-shires region. With fresh historical research and original content, the scope of the project has come to include essays, podcasts, live events and books.

Outside of the project, Eli has written extensively for the UK’s premier paranormal publication Haunted Magazine, is resident folklore columnist for Cheshire Life Magazine, official historian for the Inspector Paranormal Podcast and has recently acted as a consultant for Blaze TV’s Weird Britain series.

SIPA Paranormal Chronicles S1 E16 - Eli Lewis-Lycett - independent writer and podcaster 

This episode of Streamin' Demons gets uncomfortably real as we dissect Barry's fourth episode through the lens of actual workplace harassment and toxic relationship dynamics. Sally's devastating agent encounter isn't just good TV - it's every woman's nightmare job interview where "talent" takes a backseat to whether you'll sleep with the boss.  

As we dive deeper, Amelie shares brutal stories about workplace discrimination in France (spoiler: it's fucked up), while Jo reveals his own "too ugly for the front" restaurant rejection that morphs to 'being meat'.

We break down why Barry's laptop gift feels so wrong (hint: it's the timing, not the gesture), share personal stories about age and gender discrimination that'll make you rage-quit capitalism, and analyze how the show brilliantly parallels Barry's killing addiction with real addiction cycles.  

The Marines vs. Hollywood culture clash provides comic relief, but the real meat is in examining how people build emotional walls after years of professional and personal abuse. This isn't your typical TV recap - it's therapy disguised as entertainment analysis.

### The Laptop Gift Disaster - Why expensive early gifts feel like manipulation - Barry's domestic fantasy vs. Sally's reality - Real stories of overeager gift-giving gone wrong 

### Sally's Professional Hell - The predatory agent's "just joking" defense - How years of discrimination build emotional walls - The audition room humiliation that hits different  

### Workplace Discrimination Reality Check - French "mademoiselle" culture and professional dismissal - The "too young/too cute" professional trap - How marriage and motherhood change workplace respect  

### Barry's Psychological Patterns - Acting class therapy vs. real change - The addiction cycle of trying to quit killing - How rejection triggers violent relapse

Barry S1E4 - Commit to YOU - Age and Sexism in the modern day

Join Jo as he sits down with Dan Henk, tattoo artist, author, and creator of the upcoming anthology "The Joke is on Mankind." Dan shares his incredible journey from being a blue mohawk punk rocker getting beaten up by nazi skinheads in 1980s Virginia to becoming a successful tattoo shop owner in Long Beach, New York.

We dive deep into Dan's unique approach to his anthology - offering original illustrations worth $300-500 to every contributor instead of payment, his experiences interviewing with DC Comics and Penguin Books, and wild stories from the punk scene including nights at CBGB's and the 930 Club. Dan also discusses the evolution of tattoo culture from counterculture to mainstream, shares advice about persistence in creative fields, and reveals why "no" doesn't always mean never.

Whether you're interested in horror anthologies, tattoo artistry, punk rock history, or the creative process, this episode delivers authentic stories and hard-earned wisdom from someone who's lived it all.

Dan Henk: From Punk Rock Beatdowns to Tattoo Artistry and 'The Joke is on Mankind' Anthology

Today i am delighted to speak to Project Afterlife Presenter Jesse Birkey

Jesse's life changed In 2009, when he witnessed a patient, who was proclaimed dead, come back to life. This experience culminated in a book, titled Life Resurrected: Extraordinary Miracles Through Ordinary People.

I talk to Jesse about some of the individuals that he interviewed who had experienced near death and out of body Experiences

SIPA Paranormal Afterlife S1 E15 Jesse Birkey from Project Afterlife

What the hell happens when the Chechen mafia uses FedEx to deliver bullets? Jo and Amelie dive deep into Barry Season 1 Episode 3 "Make the Unsafe Choice" - and holy crow, this episode is a masterclass in dark comedy meets existential dread. Everything goes sideways in the most beautifully fecked up way possible. 

The Chechens want Barry to kill Paco, but they're sending him a bullet via FedEx like it's an Amazon delivery. Meanwhile, we meet Stovka - this legendary assassin who's basically the 'Ghost of Christmas Future' if Barry doesn't turn himself around.

Meanwhile, Sally gets hit in the face with the 'unspoken' (shouted, really) Hollywood ageism reality as she is called in to read for a part to play the mom of someone her own fricken age. 

From Kafka references (because we're cultured like that) to the most absurd product placement in TV history, this episode shows why Barry just might be the best thing to hit TV since Archer.



Barry S1E3: Barry's FedEx Bullet Delivery & The Assassin Who Lost His Soul

Jo interviews comedian Shawn Wickens about his upcoming performance at the Atlanta Fringe Festival (May 30-June 7, 2025). Shawn shares his journey from improv to stand-up, and how a stoned revelation led to his unique show "Secret Time Travel Meeting." Discover how Fringe Festivals have taken Shawn from New York to international stages. Learn about the lottery system for festival selection, audience interaction techniques, and how Shawn created merchandise before developing his show. This conversation offers insights into live theater, comedy development, and the spontaneity that makes performances special.

Timestamps:

00:01 - Introduction and Atlanta Fringe Festival announcement 00:36 - Explanation of Fringe Festivals worldwide 01:50 - Shawn's journey from improv to theater 03:32 - Experiences at Regina Fringe Festival 04:59 - "Secret Time Travel Meeting" show concept 05:37 - International Fringe Festival experiences 07:45 - First joke development story 10:04 - Performing for different audience types 12:48 - Story about a challenging private show 15:13 - Value of improv training for live performance 16:35 - Audience interaction techniques 17:32 - Origin of Time Machine Blueprints 19:09 - Creating merchandise before the show 21:27 - Philosophy on performing and travel 23:53 - Interactive elements (costumes, NDAs) 25:37 - Game shows as performance inspiration 28:30 - Advice: "Fear less, enjoy more" 30:26 - Upcoming shows and future plans

Key Points:

 * Shawn performs "Secret Time Travel Meeting" at Atlanta Fringe Festival (May 30-June 7)
 * Show combines comedy with time travel discussions from a stoner's perspective
 * Fringe Festivals use lottery systems, making them accessible to performers
 * Shawn has performed internationally in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia
 * Show encourages audience participation and costume-wearing
 * Created timemachineblueprints.com and published a book before developing the show
 * Improv background helped develop resilience in live performance

Guest Information:

Shawn Wickens began with improv in New York (2004) before transitioning to stand-up. Creator of "Secret Time Travel Meeting" performed at Fringe Festivals worldwide. Owner of timemachineblueprints.com and author of the same-named book.

Resources:

 * Atlanta Fringe Festival (May 30-June 7, 2025)
 * Time Machine Blueprints book on Amazon
 * Instagram: @timemachinestoned
 * Upcoming shows in New York, Rochester, Harrisburg, and potentially Estonia

Time Travel Comedy & Fringe Festivals: Shawn Wickens Brings "Secret Time Travel Meeting" to Atlanta

This week was a total blast as we speak to Wen.

Wen first started a cryptozoology blog over on tumblr  in 2012 and it has around 28,000 followers today, now on Facebook she has over 74K followers.

Wen prefers to talk about the rarer and more folklore-ish cryptids, such as the poor Sqounk.

Listen in for more weird and wonderful Cryptids

SIPA Paranormal Chronicles S1 E14 - Wen from Cryptozoology Facts 

Episode Description:

On this episode of What's Kraken?, Jo talks with prolific author Armand Rosamilia who has published over 100 books. Armand shares how a childhood punishment introduced him to Dean Koontz and launched his writing career. Learn why crime thrillers earn him "10 times more" than horror, how he writes 400,000+ words annually using just two fingers, and the story behind his hit "Dirty Deeds" series. Armand also discusses his Twitch writing sessions and annual "MondoCon" writer's retreat.

Key Timestamps:

 * 01:21 - Dean Koontz and the summer punishment that created a writer
 * 05:31 - Transitioning from horror to crime thrillers
 * 08:58 - The birth of "Dirty Deeds" series
 * 11:19 - Writing 400,000 words annually with two fingers
 * 20:43 - Using Twitch for live writing sessions
 * 24:11 - MondoCon writer's retreat
 * 27:05 - Current project: "Down and Dirty 5"

Key Points:

 * Armand has published over 180 books and has been a full-time writer for 14 years
 * Crime thrillers earn him 10 times more revenue than horror fiction
 * Writes 1,096 words daily to reach 400,000+ words annually using just two fingers
 * Created the "Dirty Deeds" series (12 books) about a hitman who rescues children
 * Uses Twitch for live writing sessions three times weekly
 * Hosts an annual writer's retreat called "MondoCon"

Resources:

 * Website: ArmandRosamilia.com
 * Twitch: Armand_Rosamilia (Mon/Wed/Fri at 1PM EST)
 * YouTube: Armand Rosamilia

Writing Machine: Armand Rosamilia Talks Horror, Crime, and Cranking Out 400,000 Words a Year 

Episode Summary

In this episode of Streamin' Demons, hosts Jo and Amelie dive deep into Barry Season 1, Episode 2 "Use It." They explore how Barry begins to experience genuine emotional reactions following Ryan's death, particularly during the memorial scene with Ryan's father. The hosts analyze the self-centered nature of the acting class, the manipulative relationship between Barry and Fuches, and draw fascinating parallels between Barry and Dexter. This episode highlights the show's brilliant balance of dark comedy and emotional depth as Barry struggles with his emerging humanity.

Episode Timestamps

 * 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
 * 01:50 - Recap of Ryan's death and the acting class's reaction
 * 03:13 - Discussion of the memorial and the actors' self-centered responses
 * 05:50 - Exploration of different types of friendships and social dynamics
 * 10:06 - Analysis of the "Doubt" scene selection and its significance
 * 14:30 - The realistic portrayal of police work in the show
 * 28:48 - Barry and Fuches' relationship development
 * 29:25 - The interrupted torture scene and domestic reality
 * 32:24 - Barry's emotional breakdown at the memorial
 * 33:19 - How Barry is learning to be human through acting
 * 34:39 - Comparisons between Barry and Dexter
 * 36:03 - The awkward interaction between Barry and Sally

Key Discussion Points

 * How Barry's acting class serves as a pathway to his emotional awakening
 * The contrast between Hollywood fantasy and the realistic portrayal of crime
 * Character analysis of Sally and her self-centered nature
 * The brilliance of Bill Hader's writing and character development
 * The show's unique blend of comedy and emotional depth

Resources Mentioned

 * Dexter (TV series) - Compared to Barry's character development
 * Doubt (Film) - Referenced in the acting class scene
 * Bill Hader's work on Saturday Night Live

Connect With Us

Listen to Streamin' Demons on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!

#BarryHBO #StreaminDemons #BillHader #TVReview #DarkComedy #EmptyHell

Barry S1E2 "Use It" - Emotional Awakening & Dark Comedy Analysis

Streamin' Demons is your bi-weekly guide through the vast world of streaming entertainment. Join host Jo Szewczyk and special guests as they dive deep into three carefully selected titles - from the latest releases to hidden gems and everything in between. Each 30-45 minute episode features unfiltered reviews, engaging discussions, and authentic reactions that help you decide what to watch next. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated binge-watcher, our candid conversations and expert insights will keep you informed and entertained. Subscribe now to join our growing community of streaming enthusiasts!

🎬 New episodes every other week ⏱️ Quick, focused 30-45 minute format 👥 Featured guests and expert perspectives 📺 Coverage across all major streaming platforms

Streamin' Demons

Join bestselling author Jo Szewczyk in What’s Kraken?, Empty Hell’s signature interview series where raw, unfiltered conversations cut through the noise. In just 20 minutes, Jo—known for his dark narrative hit Surviving Gen X—dives deep with creators, artists, and the voices shaping culture, politics, and entertainment today.

From filmmakers to musicians, writers to activists, comedians to elected officials—What’s Kraken? brings you the stories, struggles, and process behind the people changing the world around us. No scripts. No pretense. Just real talk with real people.

Subscribe now and join our growing community of entertainment enthusiasts. New episodes drop regularly on our YouTube channel and everywhere you get your podcasts!

What's Kraken with Jo Szewczyk

Surviving Gen X

Welcome to the SIPA Paranormal Chronicles, a Weekly Podcast for believers, skeptics, and everyone in between.

Launched by an Ottawa based paranormal team SIPA - Scientific Investigation of Paranormal Activity

Join our enthusiastic host, Lee, as he attempts to unveil a new layer of the mysterious, from chilling tales of ghosts to traditional concepts of the afterlife, From the complex world of demonology to the intriguing world of reincarnation, and from the mysterious world of Cryptids to the Intergalactic world of UFO’s and Extraterrestrials.

Our episodes will be rich with content designed to intrigue and inform and will hopefully unravel some of the mysteries that have captivated humanity for centuries.

Guests include paranormal researchers, seasoned ghost hunters, mediums and ordinary individuals with extraordinary experiences.

Listeners are invited to share their own paranormal experiences, which may even become topics of future episodes. Contact us at:

https://www.facebook.com/people/SIPA-Canada/61559002901355/

So, grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare for an adventure that challenges what you think you know about the paranormal, one ghostly chronicle at a time!

Jo

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