Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius artwork

Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius

251 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings

Author Mark Tullius speaks his mind and shares his writing: Horror, Sci-fi, Suspense, and nonfiction MMA.

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Episodes

VW 245: Back for the Attack, New Books, Merch, Giveaways, and the Short Horror Story "Reunion"

April 06, 2024 17:15 - 44 minutes - 42.1 MB

A lot has gone down since my last episode. I've added quite a few Try Not to Die contracts and have two brand new ideas about to bloom. The series is growing like crazy and now I have to do my best to develop everything without getting overwhelmed. New book merch includes stickers, buttons, and bookmarks with more coming soon. I did go through a 4 day depressive episode that got me motivated to finally go to the Amen Clinics for more brain rehab. The tests are all done, now just waiting o...

VW 245: More Try Not to Die Contracts, Training Jiu Jitsu With My Son, and On Slashtag is Almost Out

February 16, 2024 16:43 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MB

A lot of cool stuff happened over the last month. In addition to getting 4 full weeks of M-F 6am jiu jitsu classes, I had the pleasure of training with my son. Three new TNTD books have had contracts signed and we're digging into the writing this weekend. The cover for TNTD: On Slashtag is revealed and the eBook will go on Netgalley and to early reviewers very soon. TBI or CTE is free on Amazon through Feb 18 - get at https://geni.us/TBIorCTE Soon all of my books will be going wide. They wil...

Episode 244: Train With Pain, Dirty Confessions, and the Short Story "Marked"

January 19, 2024 13:15 - 32 minutes - 59 MB

It's been a month since I recorded an episode. I do a quick recap and go into jiu jitsu and the latest release, Dethfest Confessions. A hand injury has been the source of a ton of pain this month but I've decided the pain is worth it. The pros of training far outweigh the negatives so I am now committed to training Mon-Fri at 6am, my new favorite time of the day. I also registered for a jiu jitsu comp coming up in a few weeks. Should be fun to test myself alongside over a dozen teammates. ...

Episode 243: Back from a Break and the Horror Story ”Surviving the Holidays”

December 22, 2023 15:17 - 26 minutes - 48.2 MB

I skipped the last two weeks recording the podcast and wasn't so sure if I was going to return to it. I've put in over 4 years of consistently putting out episodes but decided I should only do it if it's something I enjoy. This year, I'll try to find the best schedule. I go over results from IBJJF No Gi Worlds comp in Vegas. The new Try Not to Die rash guard is out. We're planning trips for Our Jiu Jitsu Journey coffee table book which includes: Florida, Pennsylvania, D.C. North Carolina,...

Episode 242: Preparing to Compete in Vegas, Finishing Books, and Two Scenes From Dethfest

December 02, 2023 15:54 - 16 minutes - 30.5 MB

This week I've split my time between jiu jitsu and writing. On the plane ride home I cranked out 5-hours of writing and over the week I finished my work on TNTD: In a Dark Fairy Tale. There still needs to be a few more passes between Evan, myself, and the editor, but I've now moved on to the next project. Dethfest Confessions is being released Christmas Eve and we are scrambling to get it finished in time. As soon as I complete that I'll finish off the Best of Dethfest album. You can preor...

Episode 241: Traincation in Washington D.C. and the Thanksgiving Horror Story ”Stuffed”

November 24, 2023 21:59 - 28 minutes - 52.3 MB

I was very very grateful to be able to get in 4 jiujitsu training sessions while on vacation in D.C. I went to Compound MMA with my family and Beta Academy D.C. with my wife. We made a lot of new friends, learned a lot, and I got crushed by several people. In addition to training, we had fun visiting the zoo. We also did a 3-hour bus tour, but I've never been interested in that sort of thing. Try Not to Die: On Slashtag is off for a just about final edit and I'm halfway through the death s...

Episode 240: Overtrained and About to Try Not to Die: In D.C.

November 17, 2023 20:52 - 21 minutes - 39.5 MB

This week I trained a little too much and decided I better rest up before my family flies to Washington D.C. this weekend. It sucks not being able to train as hard as I'd like to, but I need to be mindful of my injuries. In D.C., my wife and I plan on training at 3 gyms over the week. Our comp is coming up and we don't want to miss that much training. My nonfiction book Unlocking the Cage is currently free on Kindle Unlimited - https://geni.us/MMAbook I just released "Fighting Fire With F...

Episode 239: 11 Years of Books, What’s Coming Next, and a Reading From Dethfest

November 11, 2023 13:26 - 28 minutes - 51.7 MB

I go over each of the books I've written in the last eleven years which includes horror, sci-fi, suspense, and nonfiction. A brief look at what books are in my future, including the jiu jitsu coffee table book. Training with my wife to get ready for the IBJJF No-gi World tournament December 7. (19:30) I read the next scene from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

Episode 238: Doomed to Die Trying Not to and More Dethfest

November 03, 2023 23:02 - 16 minutes - 30.6 MB

I got in a lot of jiu jitsu this week and am excited I should be receiving the Try Not to Die rash guards soon. On the business side, I decided one interested publisher wasn't a good fit, but reached out to one of my top picks for Germany. They are interested in the series and are currently reading Dethfest. I just handed the majority of Doomed to Die: Super High to my editor. All that's left is writing three quick scenes. Expect the novella around February. The November giveaway is now l...

Episode 237: Far Beyond Driven at 51, Extreme Horror Stories, and Narrating Dethfest

October 28, 2023 00:08 - 29 minutes - 53.5 MB

Wrapping up my incredible experience at the Frankfurter Buchmesse. Readers, lit agents, and publisher reactions have me convinced this is the start of something big and things will only be improving from here on out. Although the fair was a success, my body was a mess and my hip had me worrying I might need surgery rather than later. Fortunately, I was able to return to jiu jitsu without any issue. The second Dethfest Confession is out - "Die Forever" by Simone Trojahn - and it is absolute...

Episode 236: Two New Releases, One Giant Book Fair, and Zero Amount of Recovery Time, Plus a Horror Story

October 21, 2023 14:00 - 26 minutes - 48.2 MB

I was stressed beyond belief before headed to Frankfurt, Germany for the Buchmesse but jiu jitsu helped. I didn't train like I wanted to but had a great time at MMA Spirit. I've had very little sleep, very little food (just like last time I was here) but I'm very proud of what I've accomplished so far with both the professional and public meetings. This week I released both Try Not to Die: Back at Grandma's House and the first Dethfest Confessions story, "B is for Brother." The next two st...

Episode 235: Deutschland, Dirty Confessions and More of Dethfest (Currently Free on Amazon KU)

October 13, 2023 23:59 - 15 minutes - 28.6 MB

I leave for Germany on Sunday and am still working nonstop to make sure everything is ready in time. I'm still waiting on Dethfest Confession covers and I need to format the rest of the TNTD paperbacks, but other than that I'm good to go. I'm excited about the Buchmesse, but also really looking forward to practicing jiu jitsu with a few schools in Frankfurt. I'm going to be strapped for time, but I'll still make it happen, just as I do over here. All about priorities and doing what you love...

Episode 234: Prioritizing, Promotions, New Packaging and the Short Horror Story ”Each Dawn I Die”

October 06, 2023 20:58 - 38 minutes - 70 MB

It has been a whirlwind of a week. Last Saturday my wife and I were honored to be promoted to purple, and brown belt in jiu jitsu. We've been pouring a lot of time into the martial art, but it's time well spent. I got in all the merchandise for the Buchmesse including the massive TNTD banner, shirts and stickers. I am nearly ready to release the new paperbacks for the TNTD series. just a few more days until they are available for sale. I've selected the first 3 Dethfest Confession storie...

Episode 233: Overcoming Dark Places and Being Overwhelmed Plus Two More Scenes From Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

September 29, 2023 16:23 - 21 minutes - 38.6 MB

I had planned on putting out some positive videos about TBI or CTE currently being free on Amazon KU but I slid into a dark place after looking at some sad stories in a brain trauma group I belong to. For those that want to check out the book you can do so here: https://geni.us/TBIorCTE This week Try Not to Die: In Brightside is also free on Amazon KU: https://geni.us/BrightMT Part of the reason I had a rough day was lack of sleep and cannabis. Thanks to COVID my lungs are garbage and I'm ...

Episode 232: Bouncing Back, Doomed to Die, and More Narration of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

September 21, 2023 21:49 - 16 minutes - 29.8 MB

Having COVID was as shitty as expected, but I'm pumped to be feeling much better. I won't try training until Sunday, but I can't wait to get back on the mats for jiu jitsu. Knowing I would probably never finish Try Not to Die: Super High, I decided to scrap all the death scenes and am currently rewriting it to be the first novella in the Doomed to Die series. My friend Brian Ochoa killed it on his latest Try Not to Die creation. Shirts and stickers arrive this week so I can send off some s...

Episode 231: Competition, COVID, and Missing Another Concert Plus the Short Horror Story ”Ultimate Wish”

September 14, 2023 22:17 - 30 minutes - 56.6 MB

My nerves got the best of me at Saturday's NAGA competition. I submitted one opponent and got submitted by the other. In addition to the second place medal, I also took home a nice case of COVID, possibly the first for me. I'm feeling like crap but keeping as focused and productive as possible while I steer clear of my family. I'm bummed that the sickness will keep me from the Metal Injection festival. There aren't a lot of opportunities to see Machine Head, Fear Factory, and Testament pla...

Episode 230: Book Launch, Jiu Jitsu Tournament, and Chapter 2 of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

September 08, 2023 20:26 - 27 minutes - 50 MB

Wednesday was the release of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest. It's my 18th book, but means a lot because heavy metal has been such a huge part of my life. One of the coolest parts about the book is that it includes Jose Mangin, a DJ from Sirius XM's Liquid Metal/Octane. He agreed to let us include him and as a thank you we've donated to his Headbang for Science charity and include a link for it at the back of the book. The other cool thing is that we published this book at all. It was 9 years...

Episode 229: Asking for Help, Back to Early Mornings, Creating New Projects and Chapter 1 of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

September 01, 2023 19:52 - 25 minutes - 47.5 MB

What a great week. I'd love if you could make it even better by helping me share the Try Not to Die: At Ghostland $0.99 sale and the launch of Dethfest on Sept 6. Purchasing, leaving reviews, and recommending it to friends is all so super helpful and appreciated. Here is Ghostland: https://geni.us/AtGhostland Here is Dethfest: https://geni.us/Dethfest I'm back to an early morning routine for jiu jitsu with the 6am class M/W/F at 10th Planet Whittier with Coach Wes Levine. I'm loving the cl...

Episode 228: Our Jiu Jitsu Journey, 500 Years of Burning in Hell, and the Short Story ”Mutual Understanding”

August 25, 2023 12:22 - 30 minutes - 56.7 MB

It's been a long week and I'm exhausted after training jiu jitsu with my wife.  My new jiu jitsu project is coming together and I'm excited about even being able to train when we go to Germany. It's such a great way to meet new people and try not to let them murder you. Derek the Demon just started his first novel: 500 Years of Burning in Hell: My Life as a Demon. I'm not sure how committed he is to it but he said it sounds fun. (8:12) Dawna Gonzales, a black belt under Eddie Bravo, narra...

Episode 227: Books of Horror, Dethfest Confessions, and Chapter 7 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

August 18, 2023 12:33 - 23 minutes - 43.8 MB

Another week where I'm super excited about the direction everything's headed. The Books of Horror group has been very supportive of TNTD and incredibly helpful filling the anthology for Dethfest Confession. Special thanks to Tiffany Koplin for the awesome merch and promo ideas, Shannon Marie for the fun TNTD: At Ghostland reading group, and Makayla Darnall for the great review and fun conversations. Dethfest Confession is going to be sick. The line-up is pretty insane with 13 of the 15 slo...

Episode 226: Father Photos, Final Days of Vacation and Chapter 6 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

August 11, 2023 12:34 - 42 minutes - 77.7 MB

My good friend, Karl Dominey, a photographer from Rhode Island, and his son, Luka, are staying with my family for a week. It's been wonderful catching up, relaxing, and talking projects. On this episode, we discuss his book in development which showcasing men being good fathers.  Going outside our comfort zone for our kids. Even though Karl hates playing video games, he agreed to learn how to play Fortnite. And neither Karl or I were looking forward to riding rollercoasters at Knotts but t...

Episode 225: New Merchandise, New Books and Chapter 5 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

August 04, 2023 12:33 - 31 minutes - 57.4 MB

I had a fantastic time meeting Brian Ochoa who has created a ton of work for me, including the image for the Dethfest tattoo and the concert poster. He's currently working on the album cover and finalizing T-shirt designs. The shirts will be up for order soon. Here's his site - https://brianochoadesign.com/gallery I mailed off Dethfest paperback to some early readers in the UK, CA, AUS, and the US. I can't wait to hear what they say. I was excited to get a copy of P.W. Feutz's novella The...

Episode 224: Reader Questions, More Ain’t No Messiah, and Chapter 4 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

July 28, 2023 12:33 - 30 minutes - 55.6 MB

I had a positive talk with an agent regarding my approach to the Frankfurter Buchmesse. We also discussed what I should write next. It's a lot to consider but I love having options. Last week I registered for the ADCC Open, a jiu jitsu tournament in Scottsdale. This week I'm dropping out along with the rest of the team. I'm feeling good but 2 or 3 of my teammates are injured and can no longer compete. I'm sure another opportunity will come soon enough. Ain't No Messiah is free on Kindle Un...

Episode 223: Torn ACL and the ADCC Open, Chapter 3 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

July 21, 2023 12:34 - 29 minutes - 54.7 MB

A lot of awesome stuff happening this week. My kids are at Disney World with their grandma, aunt, and cousin, while my wife and I stayed home to train jiu jitsu (and not go anywhere near Disney World) I finally took the time to schedule all my free and discounted books for the next three months. This week's free book on Kindle unlimited is Twisted Reunion. Here's that link  The Goodreads TNTD: At Ghostland giveaway is over. I'll mail books off to the 10 lucky winners. There's also a cool G...

Episode 222: A Ghostly Giveaway, Reading Reviews, Chapter 2 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

July 14, 2023 12:34

I'm in a fantastic mood for several reasons. A big one is getting back into jiu jitsu at 10th Planet Whittier. I hit open mat Sunday and attended 3 nights this week with my wife who's a great training partner (I swear she didn't make me say that) I'm excited to hit open mat on Saturday and then watch Ashlee Evans-Smith fight at 4pm PST in the UFC. She'll be repping the gym and I've been a fan since I interviewed her back in 2012: https://youtu.be/qwRvlxfln4g Today I posted A Very Ghostly ...

Episode 221: Listen to Ch. 1 of the Horror Gamebook Try Not to Die: At Ghostland

July 07, 2023 12:35 - 26 minutes - 48.5 MB

I'm excited that my daughter agreed to narrate Try Not to Die: At Ghostland to share on the podcast. Duncan and I are hiring a professional for the real version, but I thought this would be fun to have Liv run us through the book. I made a bad decision regarding my knee on vacation but fortunately it didn't hurt me. Overall, vacation was awesome, relaxing, and resulted in two more TNTD projects. The best part though was the new friendships. I didn't make as much progress as I would have li...

Episode 220: Creating A New Horror Gamebook with Try Not to Die: In Yellowstone

June 30, 2023 12:30 - 37 minutes - 69.2 MB

It's been a great week for Try Not to Die: At Ghostland with high rankings and ratings. I'm predicting this will be one of my all-time highest-rated books. https://geni.us/AtGhostland I'm excited to have the Try Not to Die: At Dethfest proof. I need to make a few changes, get the next proof, and then I'll send to advance readers. https://geni.us/Dethfest It has been a fantastic vacation in Wyoming and we still have two more days at this incredible Brooks Lake Lodge which is at an elevati...

Episode 219: The Horror Gamebook Try Not to Die: At Ghostland is Here

June 23, 2023 12:30 - 39 minutes - 72.2 MB

Try Not to Die: At Ghostland, coauthored with Duncan Ralston, released on Monday for the paperback and Friday for Kindle. It's off to a great start with rankings and reviews. I predict this book will do very well. Check it out on Amazon: https://geni.us/AtGhostland I created a document of all upcoming projects (22 total) so I could see which ones to attack first. Finalizing TNTD: Back at Grandma's House is first on the list. Expect ebook/paperback around September. (10:10) Continuing the t...

Episode 218: Screw the Pain, Let’s Go Train, and More of TNTD: In the Wild West

June 16, 2023 15:35 - 31 minutes - 57.9 MB

I'm in a great mood thanks to squeezing 5 jiu jitsu training sessions in 3 days. There's a bit of pain and discomfort but it doesn't outweigh the positives. I'm excited my whole family will be competing in a bjj competition this August. And with a little luck, my friends Luka and Karl will join us. The response to early reads of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland has been fantastic. The last chance to claim a copy is by picking it up in my newsletter. Paperbacks and the official release will be ...

Episode 217: Hip Replacement, ACL Repair, or Stem Cell and More of TNTD: In the Wild West

June 09, 2023 16:20 - 39 minutes - 71.8 MB

Last weekend's 10th birthday at 10th Planet Whittier was so cool. My son and his friends had an awesome time and my daughter got excited about training again. I've been getting more and more into training but yesterday's appointment with an orthopedic surgeon was quite sobering. Looks like my ACL is fairly trashed and he said my right hip is in need of replacement. My next appointment will be with the doctor that gave me stem cells for my right shoulder 5 years ago. Hopefully, stem cell wi...

Episode 216: Doing What You Love and Chapters 1-4 of Try Not to Die: In the Wild West

June 02, 2023 16:49 - 35 minutes - 65.4 MB

It has been a fun week of seeing hard work paying off. John Palisano's short story Try Not to Die: In a Hell Hole was a #1 new release. I just received the TNTD: Reading this Sampler and TNTD: At Ghostland cover. GL still needs work but it will look sick when finished. I picked up my jiu jitsu training a bit, not in intensity, but in the number of classes. I had a lot of fun training with my wife, daughter, and niece and plan on training with them at least 2-3 times a week in addition to ...

Episode 215: Applying the Finishing Touches and Two Short Horror Stories

May 26, 2023 17:29 - 35 minutes - 65.1 MB

Covid screwed up some plans this past weekend, but it didn't stop me from working on Try Not to Die: In a Dark Fairy Tale. I'm really enjoying the main story and will have it wrapped up next week. Huge thanks to Pat Feutz who did a final edit on Dethfest. His edits were awesome and really improved the book. Advance eBook copies will start going to metal influencers next week. Once Dethfest is finished, Duncan and I will be cleaning up TNTD: At Ghostland which releases early July.  I stuck...

Episode 214: Focused on a Dark Fairy Tale And Two Short Horror Stories

May 19, 2023 11:51 - 43 minutes - 78.9 MB

This week I stayed focused on Try Not to Die: In a Dark Fairy Tale. I'm making progress, but it can be slow at times. Another 1-2 weeks on the book and I'll be ready for the death scenes. I took time off jiu jitsu to rest and rehab my injuries. Treading water while holding a weight behind my back has been a great exercise I've added to my routine. The Wild West audiobook is finished and approved. Just waiting for ACX and Findaway to send the books to retailers. A Dark and Disturbing  Coll...

Episode 213: Slow Down, Breathe, and Build Resiliency, Plus Two Short Horror Stories

May 12, 2023 13:32 - 49 minutes - 90.9 MB

A couple conversations with readers from around the world inspired me to talk some more about TBI or CTE and where I'm currently at with my brain health. I talk about external demands and building the resiliency to deal with them. I re-learned a powerful lesson through jiu jitsu this week. My instructor, Mike Wilson, was pointing out that I'm not breathing correctly, I'm moving way too much and inefficiently, and overall just need to slow everything down. These are all keys to improving my...

Episode 212: Two Short Horror Stories, One Free Book, and a Beautifully Brutal Fairy Tale

May 05, 2023 15:37 - 43 minutes - 80.5 MB

It was a great week although I didn't get in a ton of writing. I've been more focused on the big picture and my goals for Germany while making sure the family is running smoothly. For my son's 10th birthday I wrote him a very special letter that he felt compelled to edit. Training jiu jitsu has been okay despite my knee issues but I'm realizing I need to take it easy. I'm excited to finally be in a place to work on TNTD: in a Dark Fairy Tale. Working on a few death scenes with my son was ...

Episode 211: Rising Early, Resurrecting Books, Creating Merchandise and 2 Chapters of Ain’t No Messiah

April 28, 2023 13:51 - 56 minutes - 103 MB

It has been a very long, but very productive week. I've been: Mailing off books to contest winners. Talking with Steve Montgomery about finishing and releasing TNTD: Super High this year. Digging into TNTD: In a Dark Fairy Tale. 5am zoom calls to Germany to discuss an advertising and PR campaign aimed at the region. Two Try Not to Die T-shirts are being created and will be available to purchase in May. A reminder that Ain't No Messiah is currently free on Kindle and the audiobook is on...

Episode 210: Tearing Ligaments, Signing Books, and the Short Horror Story ”In Charge”

April 21, 2023 12:26 - 26 minutes - 47.8 MB

Despite screwing up my knee, I'm in a fantastic mood. Part of that is acceptance and knowing it was bound to happen. Another part is all the positive stuff happening in my life. I had a great time reading through Duncan Ralston's TNTD: At Ghostland death scenes. I met with John Palisano to deliver his copies of Try Not to Die: At the Wild West. He will be signing copies at the LA Times Festival of Books this Sunday. I'm excited to have my son help teach me jiu jitsu. I've been reconnecti...

Episode 209: Broken but Not Yet Beaten and a Reading of Chapter 3 of Try Not to Die: In the Wild West

April 14, 2023 12:12 - 19 minutes - 36.4 MB

It was a fairly positive and productive week once I got my ego in check. In the episode I diiscuss having a beat up body and feeling as if I've lost most of my ability to practice jiu jitsu. Needing to slow down and appreciate what I have. I read the flash fiction entry from contest winner: Emily Haynes. A reminder that 25 Perfect Days: Plus 5 More is free for the next four days. https://geni.us/B3AS0 Winners of the latest Try Not to Die: In the Wild West paperback contest have been se...

Episode 208: Returning to Jiu Jitsu at 10th Planet Whittier and the Horror Story ”Numbered Days”

April 07, 2023 16:21 - 25 minutes - 45.9 MB

What an incredible week it's been. All kinds of awesome stuff happening in my life. I'm planning ahead for Germany, enjoying the release of TNTD: In the Wild West, and excited to be finishing up Dethfest and Ghostland.  I'm in the process of hiring a Wild West narrator and discuss the types of collaboration each of these books has been. I announced the Spotify contest winners and will get all the prizes out this weekend. I've been practicing German on Duolingo with the whole family. And...

Episode 207: Separate Spring Breaks, Wild West Launch and a Reading from Chapter 2.

March 31, 2023 14:12 - 17 minutes - 32.5 MB

Mark talks about his week home with his son while his wife and daughter are out of town. The time home helped him finish more scenes from TNTD: At Ghostland, and finally clean up John Palisano's short story TNTD: In a Hell Hole. TNTD: In the Wild West is out now and avilable at Amazon for $0.99 Get your copy here - https://geni.us/WildWest There are 3 contests currently being run. The Spotify giveaway ends today. https://gleam.io/s2PF2/win-a-spotify-99-gift-card-and-audiobooks Mark reads...

Episode 206: Getting Wild in the Old West and Desecrating My Temple

March 24, 2023 13:05 - 18 minutes - 34.5 MB

To celebrate the Tuesday the 28th launch of Try Not to Die: In the Wild West, we've set the price to $0.99, launched a cool contest you can check out here: https://gleam.io/PgM3N/try-not-to-die-worldwide AND I got a Dethfest tattoo. Yep, once again I can't appreciate what's in front of me and I'm jumping toward the next accomplishment. Even today, while getting the tattoo I had to stay productive, working on several Ghostland death scenes. Instead of a horror story, I read the first chapte...

Episode 205: Creativity Challenges, Focus on the Family, and Two Short Horror Stories

March 17, 2023 13:35 - 52 minutes - 96.4 MB

Mark's back on the brain health rollercoaster, navigating the ups and downs while trying to keep moving forward. Creativity took a seat in the back thanks to poor sleep, a bad mood, along with friend and family needs. But even with less focus on fiction, I did manage to sneak in development of TNTD: At the Big Top and TNTD: In Iraq, two titles I hope to slowly develop over the next year. A reminder that this week TNTD: In the Pandemic is only $0.99 https://geni.us/PandemicMT Includes two...

Episode 204: My Most Important Episode Ever and Two Short Horror Stories

March 09, 2023 05:16 - 49 minutes - 90.5 MB

Derek the Demon and Yoga Bear helped me determine this is my most important episode. I go over all the possible reasons why I'm excited about the episode: - feeling good helping a friend - 10th Planet Whittier is opening soon - Dethfest album lyrics are done thanks to Luc Cervantez - Try Not to Die: In the Wild West is available for kindle preorder. Release set for Mar. 28 https://geni.us/WildWest - Plus other random nonsense Spoiler alert: It's discovering my life's purpose: Getting...

Episode 203: Business Building, Negative Reviews, and Two Short Horror Stories

March 03, 2023 14:19 - 48 minutes - 88.5 MB

Another positive week full of progress. The majority of my time was focused on building my business and I'll be doing much more of that over the next few weeks as I consult with individuals from the Small Business Development Center and the US Commercial Service. I also took the time to set up the next 3 months worth of discounted/free eBooks and audiobooks. Unfortunately the only one free this weekend is the German edition of Brightside. I read the first negative review of TBI or CTE and ...

Episode 202: Much Improved Mental Health and the Short Horror Story ”Pillow Talk”

February 24, 2023 14:28 - 28 minutes - 51.3 MB

I'm doing incredible right now and I believe there are several factors that helped me get there. A few sessions of talk therapy. The start of a new round of neurofeedback. My NUCCA chiropractor put me back in alignment. I've been taking GABA and SAMe supplements. Also been doing daily yoga and breathing exercises. This new positive place encouraged me to commit to attending the Frankfurter Buchmesse again. I'll be exhibiting there this October to promote all the new TNTD releases and e...

Episode 201: Derek the Demon Talking Smack, Plus Two Short Horror Stories

February 17, 2023 04:55 - 18 minutes - 33.5 MB

Derek the Demon takes over as host so he can make fun of Mark. He also goes on a rant about Duncan Ralston's Ghostland ginormous Ghost Hunter edition, and Mark's infatuation with Satan. (7:58) Includes two short horror stories, "No One's Home" and Last Will and Testament" off of Untold Mayhem and narrated by Angelo Di Loreto

Episode 200: TBIs and Tackle Football, Plus the Short Horror Story ”In the Cards”

February 10, 2023 15:13 - 37 minutes - 69.5 MB

I get a little judgy in this one when I discuss parents letting children play dangerous contact sports that we now know can cause incredible harm. My focus is always football and fighting as those are the sports that I participated in, but the message applies to any event where the child takes repetitive blows to the head. Most people will become reactive and defensive when hearing this message, but my hope is that they will have the guts to read some articles on the risks they are exposing...

Episode 199: Death, Death, and More Death, Plus the Short Horror Story ”Midnight Snack”

February 03, 2023 13:52 - 35 minutes - 64.2 MB

A little update on my current mental health status. Once again I'm fine. A big part of my bouncing back is being able to dive into so many different and fun projects. The latest is going over TNTD: In a Dark Fairy Tale with my son. In addition to all the creative work, I've jumped back on Amazon ads with a vengeance. Today I'll be finishing up the ads, totaling over 100 in 8 countries created in 3 days.  A reminder to pick up Try Not to Die: At Grandma's House while it is free. https://g...

Episode 198: I Swear I’m F.I.N.E.(Forever Ignoring Negative Emotions) and the Short Horror Story ”Book of Revelation”

January 27, 2023 14:58 - 57 minutes - 106 MB

This week was another major struggle but I feel like I'm on the other side of it. It hasn't been a fun time but I keep looking on the bright side and am reminded that I have to increase my resiliency and lower my stressors. Stress reducers this week: Cold pool, yoga, weights, sauna, sleep, a lot of cannabis, talks with friends. Next week I'll be adding in therapy and also having my brain re-mapped for neurofeedback, both which shall also be very helpful. The Try Not to Die series is chugg...

Episode 197: Triggered by Dana White’s Power Slap. Includes the Short Horror Story ”Shades of Death”

January 20, 2023 15:31 - 38 minutes - 69.7 MB

I had a positive week and should have been in a great mood having just wrapped up the majority of TNTD: Dethfest. Unfortunately, I watched clips of Dana White's sorry excuse for a sport. His "Power Slap" (the TBS show, not him hitting his wife) is one of the most disgusting things I've seen in a while and it brought on a really bad bout of rage and depression. Of course the show was not the reason for the episode, but it was the spark that set me off. I discuss how I tried to spin the very...

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