Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius
252 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsAuthor Mark Tullius speaks his mind and shares his writing: Horror, Sci-fi, Suspense, and nonfiction MMA.
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Episodes
Episode 102: Filmmaker Michael Plaster on Depression and Hormone Regulation
March 26, 2021 17:37 - 57 minutes - 106 MBMy special guest is filmmaker Michael Plaster. Michael is a fellow 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu purple belt under Eddie Bravo and has collaborated on a few projects with me. I brought him on to discuss his chronic depression and how he has overcome it by having his hormones regulated by Dr. Mark Gordon from Millennium Neuro-Regenerative Centers. This is the same protocol I followed that gave me incredible relief from the depression I'd experienced. Michael never understood why he was depressed unt...
Episode 101: Comedian Noor Kidwai and "Thirteenth on the List"
March 19, 2021 15:41 - 1 hour - 123 MBMy special guest is Canadian Comedian Noor Kidwai. I was recently a guest on Noor's podcast God Yay or Nay and wanted to continue our conversation over here. Noor shares how much writing has helped him, how he has benefited from psychedelics, why he's interested in spirituality and consciousness, and how it all feeds his comedy. (49:25) Includes the short story "Thirteenth on the List" taken from 25 Perfect Days narrated by David Thompson For more on Noor checkout http://www.noorkidwai.com/
Episode 100: Garon Whited and his short story "Nazin's Dream"
March 12, 2021 15:25 - 59 minutes - 109 MBGaron Whited is the author of the highly-rated Nightlord series and recently released book 7 Fugue. Fans of science fiction and fantasy should check out his work. (24:30) Includes Garon's short story "Nazin's Dream" For more on Garon visit: https://garonwhited.com/
Episode 99: Joey and Lindsay Hauss: Breathwork, Meditation, and Cold Immersion
March 05, 2021 18:33 - 1 hour - 116 MBIn this special episode, I talk with Joey Hauss and his wife Lindsay after they led me through a powerful breathwork, meditation, and ice bath session. We discuss what led Joey to become a Level 2 Certified Instructor of the Wim Hof Method and why breathing, meditation, and cold immersion can help us heal. To learn more about Joey and his classes, check out https://joeyhauss.com/ (43:00) At the end of the talk, I share the short story "US-89N4X" which is from 5 More Perfect Days and narrated...
Episode 98: Deliberate Quitter and "Fourteen Angry Marchers"
February 18, 2021 21:43 - 35 minutes - 65 MBLast week I discussed how great the Deliberate Discomfort Challenge is and why I would be putting myself through all 60 days. This episode I explain how I talked myself out of the challenge. The challenge is great and I recommend people check it out but I just felt it wasn't right for me as I was already implementing lots of their strategies and I'm pretty happy with the current version of myself. I also want to point out that I misspoke about the guarantee. That only applies if someone fi...
Episode 97: Pulling Teeth and Five Minutes Alone
February 12, 2021 18:26 - 21 minutes - 40 MBYesterday I had the pleasure of being awake while my dentist struggled to wrench out my wisdom tooth. I go into the Deliberate Discomfort challenge that I'm 5 days into. The workouts are tough and it hurts to walk, but I'm enjoying the program, especially the part which is forcing me to reconnect with friends and family members. Instead of sharing the Beyond Brightside audiobook like I had promised, I decided to go with 25 Perfect Days which I just made non-exclusive with Audible. Include...
Episode 96: Special Guest S.A. Bradley and His Short Story "Wound"
February 05, 2021 20:31 - 54 minutes - 99.5 MBMy special guest is S.A. Bradley, the creator of the Hell Bent for Horror podcast and the author of Screaming for Pleasure: How Horror Makes You Happy and Healthy. In our discussion, S.A. helps me feel better about writing, reading, and watching horror. We talk about the appropriate age to introduce horror, different types of horror fans, and how much he has gained from the art form. At the end of the episode, we play his short story "Wound." He's a fascinating guest and I encourage you t...
Episode 95: Changing Course and the Short Story "Dead Spot"
January 28, 2021 17:38 - 18 minutes - 34.5 MBQuick update on what's up next for the podcast and my writing class. Includes the short story "Dead Spot" from Untold Mayhem narrated by Michael David Axtell
Episode 94: Brain Health and "Marked"
January 22, 2021 00:14 - 33 minutes - 62.2 MBI couldn't be happier with my mother's brain scans and testing from Vital Head and Spine in Pasadena. With 40 sessions of neurofeedback, she greatly increased the amount and quality of her sleep and turned around the mild cognitive decline she wasn't even aware of. I'm so grateful that she probably just avoided a path toward dementia. I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of Dr. Michael Simpson's upcoming book. The book is incredibly well-written and full of great information. Immedia...
Episode 93: Writing Class and "Numbered Days"
January 12, 2021 00:48 - 22 minutes - 41.1 MBI'm back after taking a short break from the podcast. My new website is up, I'm launching my writing class next week, and I've been doing great with my goals including twelve days in a row of cold water therapy. Includes the short story "Numbered Days" from Untold Mayhem narrated by Michael David Axtell
Episode 92: Christmas Kitten and "Surviving the Holidays"
December 24, 2020 01:03 - 17 minutes - 33 MBWe gave my son his Christmas present early. The kitten is incredibly cute but he's also kept me up the last two nights. Let's see if he makes it to the new year. I go over a much more realistic book release schedule than I had previously planned. I read the short story "Surviving the Holidays" from Twisted Reunion
Episode 91: Building My Business and the Short Story "Counting On It"
December 08, 2020 20:58 - 29 minutes - 54.9 MBTalking about the changes I'm implementing in my business to give me the best chance at crushing it in 2021. A reminder that both Brightside and Somber Stroll are now permanently free on all retailers. New covers for both Twisted Reunion and Untold Mayhem. How writing Try Not to Die: Super High has been makine me sick. What to expect from the revamped newsletter and the kind of people I want to interact with. The short story "Counting On It" from Untold Mayhem narrated by Angelo Di Lore...
Episode 90: The Thanksgiving Story "Stuffed"
November 27, 2020 00:26 - 20 minutes - 37.5 MBI read my Thanksgiving story "Stuffed" taken from the short story collection Morsels of Mayhem. Free for newsletter subscribers at www.MarkTullius.com
Episode 89: Overwhelmed and "The Season"
November 24, 2020 22:12 - 30 minutes - 55.1 MBOnce again I'm overwhelmed with balancing family, writing projects, and the business side of things. As much as I look forward to releasing books, the anxiety seems to be part of the package. On the bright side, the ebooks Brightside and Somber Stroll are available for free at all retailers (except Amazon for now) and Beyond Brightside is on sale at all retailers for $0.99. Morsels of Mayhem is free to newsletter subscribers and available everywhere else for $0.99 (10:05) Includes the sho...
Episode 88: Quick Update and the Short Story "Exposed"
November 18, 2020 17:43 - 21 minutes - 39.7 MBThe paperbacks for Beyond Brightside and Try Not to Die: In the Pandemic are finally arriving. Also about to release Morsels of Mayhem just in time for Thanksgiving. (7:00) The short story "Exposed" from Untold Mayhem narrated by Angelo Di Loreto
Episode 87: Playing Injured Podcast and the Short Story "No Service"
November 09, 2020 17:44 - 52 minutes - 95.7 MBMy special guest is Josh Dillingham, the co-host of the Playing Injured podcast. I had the pleasure of being on Josh's podcast the week prior and enjoyed talking with him so much I wanted to continue the conversation on here. Josh talks about his past and what he's learned from his podcast. We also go into how he can create a book to pass on the powerful lessons he's getting from all of his interviews. (35:40) The short story "No Service" from Untold Mayhem narrated by Landon Woodson
Episode 86: Morsels of Mayhem and the Short Horror Story "The Hole"
November 03, 2020 22:22 - 35 minutes - 64.8 MBWhy I don't follow politics or watch the news. An update on Morsels of Mayhem releasing in a few weeks. Practicing German on audiobook and "Cowboys from Hell" on guitar. The short story "The Hole" from Untold Mayhem narrated by Amadeo Fusca .
Episode 85: TNTD PandemicContest Update and the Short Horror Story "Dead to Me"
October 28, 2020 02:03 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBI'm nearly finished with putting up a video a day about a heavy metal band for my month of metal playlist. I've enjoyed doing it but it has been more work than anticipated. The Try Not to Die: In the Pandemic contest is wrapping up and the ebook is about to release. I managed to screw up the pre-order on Amazon but hopefully you guys will help me share the book to regain momentum. Almost finished writing "Stuffed." I plan on releasing that along with "The Rules" and "31 Others" for a small...
Episode 84: Jonathan Gonzales and the Short Horror Story "Left Unfinished"
October 19, 2020 18:31 - 54 minutes - 100 MBMy special guest is my friend Jonathan Gonzales, a fellow 10th Planet purple belt and metalhead. After a little talk about jiu jitsu and why we aren't currently training, we dive into heavy metal and why we enjoy listening to it. (36:40) The shrt story "Left Unfinished" from Untold Mayhem. Narrated by Chris Andrew Ciulla.
Episode 83: Talking Metal with Marc Saenz and the short story "Last in Line"
October 13, 2020 17:02 - 47 minutes - 87.6 MBMy special guest is my longtime friend Marc Saenz. Marc and I have a history of listening to metal and going to shows and had a great time going over some memories and talking about why music is important to him. (36:20) Includes the short story "Last in Line" off of Untold Mayhem. narrated by Vivienne Leheny
Episode 82: Mcor Cervantez and "The Feeling's Back"
October 05, 2020 17:27 - 1 hour - 112 MBI have my friend and fellow heavy metal dad, Mcor Cervantez, on to discuss metal music and some of our favorite bands. (36:30) The short story "The Feeling's Back."
Episode 81: Comedian/Magician Zach Waldman and Last Will and Testament
October 01, 2020 16:05 - 58 minutes - 108 MBToday's special guest is my friend Zach Waldman who's a professional comedian, magician, YouTuber and a 10th Planet Brown Belt. Zach shares his jiu jitsu journey and how it helped him overcome anxiety, PTSD, and improved his life. (17:20) How Covid has affected his training. (23:45) Zach shares his magic and comedy journey. (39:30) Despite Covid shutting down work opportunities, Zach is refocused and building a career as a YouTuber. (52:00) My short story "Last Will and Testament" Subsc...
Episode 80: ICE Hysterectomies and the short story "Eight Out of Nine"
September 23, 2020 16:58 - 25 minutes - 47.6 MBThis episode includes two quick book reviews of Brian Posehn's Forever Nerdy and Stephen King's Salem's Lot. An update on my recovering from traumatic brain injury book and the the Try Not to Die contest. (8:45) News of alleged hysterectomies at ICE detention centers inspired me to read my short story "Eight Out of Nine" from 25 Perfect Days.
Episode 79: YouCanFollow.Me and "The Fine Print"
September 16, 2020 16:13 - 1 hour - 121 MBMy good friend Jason Stanley is this episode's special guest. We talk reading, writing, and why I love his product YouCanFollow.Me which is the equivalent of an online business card. You can check out mine at https://youcanfollow.me/MarkTullius (48:10) Also includes the short horror story "The Fine Print" narrated by Vivienne Leheny.
Episode 78: Elisha's Book Review and the short story "Taking Out the Trash"
September 10, 2020 19:06 - 22 minutes - 41.8 MBMy special guest was going to be Elisha Roberts of Elishasbookreview.com but I lost the footage of our interview. Dealing with a recent power outage. Advance ebook copy of Beyond Brightside being sent out tomorrow. TNTD in the Pandemic contest kicks off on Oct. 7 (10:10) Includes my short story "Taking Out the Trash" narrated by Chris Andrew Ciulla
Episode 77: Guest - Ric Chetter and the short story "Inthe Cards"
September 02, 2020 16:22 - 52 minutes - 96.5 MBThis episode's special guest is Ric Chetter. In addition to being the narrator for Ain't No Messiah, Ric has narrated about 50 other books, is the owner of Radio-Memphis, and has spent 30 years in broadcasting with radio, TV, and film. (32:00) Includes my short story "In the Cards" narrated by Stacy Gonzalez You can check out Radio-Memphis - https://www.radio-memphis.com/
Episode 76: BOOKS Yada, Yada and the short story "News First"
August 26, 2020 15:04 - 1 hour - 134 MBMy special guest for this podcast is Deana Eager from BOOKS Yada, Yada. We went over authors that have made an impact on Deana, including Neil Gaiman, Michael Faber, Thomas Harris, Douglas Coupland, and Alice Hoffman. I admit just how sorry my reading list has been. I also share my secret to writing strong female characters and bringing character's to life in a few pages. (55:00) "News First" a short story from my collection Untold Mayhem. You can check out and subscribe to Deana's BookT...
Episode 75: Crushing Goals and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 24
August 19, 2020 16:48 - 46 minutes - 85.1 MBFor my 48th birthday I nailed two goals: Dropping 23 pounds in 45 days and finishing the writing of Try Not to Die: In the Pandemic. Sept. 1 will be the start of Heavy Metal Inspired Fiction. Improving my son's imagination by working on Try Not to Die: In Minecraft with him. (13:00) The final chapter of the Ain't No Messiah audiobook narrated by Ric Chetter.
Episode 74: Disturbing Death Scenes and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 23
August 12, 2020 16:04 - 54 minutes - 100 MBWhy I enjoy connecting with readers and reviewers. Sharing my workspace with my son on his first day of school. Writing disturbing death scenes. Only 7 more days for me to drop 5 more pounds. (13:40) Ain't No Messiah Chapter 23 narrated by Ric Chetter Here's the link to the Books Yada Yada YouTube video I mentioned at the start of the podcast. https://bit.ly/2PLqjKH
Episode 73: Untold Mayhem Reviews and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 22
August 05, 2020 20:35 - 44 minutes - 82 MBA brief review of Stephen King's Carrie as I prepare to read every King book in order. I just released a newsletter with links to "The Rules" a brand new short story exclusive to subscribers. Brightside ebook is free at most retailers (not Amazon) and at MarkTullius.com. Designing a Try Not to Die face mask in time for the TNTD: In the Pandemic contest that launches Oct. 7th. Chapter 22 of Ain't No Messiah narrated by Ric Chetter.
Episode 72: Newsletter News and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 21
July 29, 2020 18:28 - 37 minutes - 69.5 MBRevamping my newsletter. Making Brightside permanently free. Rereading Carrie. Finishing up TNTD: in the Pandemic. (7:10) Ain't No Messiah Chapter 21 narrated by Ric Chetter
Episode 71: Intermittent Fasting and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 20
July 21, 2020 20:57 - 35 minutes - 65.7 MBSticking with the intermittent fasting and just completed a 40 hour fast and several days over 20 hours. Still cutting out sugars and limiting caffeine, putting all the savings into a jar we’ll give to charity at the end of the year. I am in the process of putting together 30 days worth of posts about heavy metal inspired fiction. Shooting to start releasing the videos on Aug 1. Beyond Brightside set for release Nov. 24. Preorder available. The Great, the Good, the Okay, and the Holy Shit...
Episode 70: Motivated Like a Mofo and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 19
July 14, 2020 22:37 - 50 minutes - 92.9 MBI am loving how motivated I am right now about my career and health, taking big steps to improve both. On the business side I just hired someone to redesign my website, improve all my book descriptions, design the cover for "The Rules." I am also about to embark on a new mission of reviewing at least 3 books a week until I've gone through my entire Stephen King collection and other cool books lying around the house. On the personal side, I've been doing intermittent fasting and cutting do...
Episode 69: Lesson Learned and Ain't No Messiah Chapters 17 and 18
July 07, 2020 20:43 - 57 minutes - 105 MBA close friend who got Covid teaches me an important lesson. How I've been playing a lot more bass than guitar lately. A nice vacation at the beach and my son constantly grabbing and playing with my fat rolls has gotten me restarted on intermittent fasting, lowering my caffeine intake, and increasing exercise. The first installment of a new weekly segment where I read reviews of my books: "The Great, the Good, the Okay, and the Holy Shit this Book is Terrible." An update on "The Rules" a...
Episode 68: "Results Guaranteed" and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 16
June 30, 2020 18:28 - 39 minutes - 72 MBGoing over the number of short stories I’ve written and how I’m currently submitting to different markets. (1:55) "Results Guaranteed" a short horror story taken from Untold Mayhem and narrated by Jay Ben Markson (21:50) Ain't No Messiah Chapter 16 narrated by Ric Chetter
Episode 67: Gone for Good and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 15
June 16, 2020 20:34 - 44 minutes - 81.8 MBNot a lot going on this week. Just plugging away at TNTD: In the Pandemic. (1:45) "Gone for Good" one of the very first short stories I wrote and had published. Narrated by Vivienne Leheny (12:30) Ain't No Messiah Chapter 15 narrated by Ric Chetter
Episode 66: "In Charge" and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 14
June 09, 2020 21:13 - 55 minutes - 103 MBA quick update on Try Not to Die: In the Pandemic, why I haven't been watching any news, how I deal with anger and frustration with world events. (2:40) The short horror story off of Untold Mayhem - "In Charge" narrated by Chris Andrew Ciulla (24:40) Ain't No Messiah Chapter 14
Episode 65: "No One's Home" and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 13
June 02, 2020 21:57 - 40 minutes - 74.6 MBAn update on Try Not to Die: In the Pandemic, a look at the Beyond Brightside cover, and sending the TBI Brain book to a publisher. (1:50) the short horror story “No One’s Home” (11:00) Chapter 13 of Ain't No Messiah audiobook.
Episode 64:: Peace and Quiet and Chapter 12 of Ain't No Messiah Audiobook
May 26, 2020 21:55 - 37 minutes - 69.8 MBI had an incredibly productive weekend with my wife and kids out of town. I went through Try Not to Die: In the Pandemic and figured out how I want to change it for the final version. I'm very excited about this book and believe we should have the final pass complete by mid July with the book coming out around October. I also had the pleasure of going over the first three chapters of TNTD: Super High which is turning out to be an insane ride. The peace and quiet was nice, being able to think...
Episode 63: Family Rock Band and Chapter 10 and 11 of Ain't No Messiah Audiobook
May 19, 2020 23:15 - 38 minutes - 71.7 MBUpdate on the Untold Mayhem audiobook which is now being reviewed by ACX. The cast of 9 narrators do an incredible job with these stories and I can't wait to share them. People have been responding to my traumatic brain injury article and video. Sad to hear their stories but I'm glad to give them hope of recovery. I recently picked up an electric guitar for myself and electric drum kit for my son. We're trying to convince my daughter to be our singer but we're not sure she can handle our a...
Episode 62: Paying the Price and Chapter 9 of Ain't No Messiah Audiobook
May 12, 2020 20:30 - 43 minutes - 79.5 MBGetting close to finishing Beyond Brightside and Try Not to Die: In the Pandemic (6:50) Quick talk about about my CTE claims before sharing the video "Paying the Price" (21:50) Chapter 9 of Ain't No Messiah
Episode 61: Writing Update and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 8
May 05, 2020 21:27 - 26 minutes - 49.7 MBAnother quick episode going over where I'm at with my writing projects. Chapter 8 of the Ain't No Messiah audiobook.
Episode 60: Wrapping Up Beyond Brightside and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 7
April 28, 2020 21:00 - 32 minutes - 59.7 MBAnother quick episode with updates on the Try Not to Die series, where I'm at with Beyond Brightside, and chapter 7 of Ain't No Messiah audiobook.
Episode 59: Audiobook Updates and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 6
April 21, 2020 23:15 - 30 minutes - 56.1 MBQuick update on the four audiobooks being produced. How I've been overwhelmed and brain training might have been playing a part in that. (8:35) Ain't No Messiah Chapter 6
Episode 58: More Try Not to Dies and Chapter 5 of Ain't No Messiah Audiobook
April 14, 2020 21:54 - 32 minutes - 60.9 MBNew books being created this week in the Try Not to Die series. Within the next two years there should be at least 5 more books published. Chapter 5 of the Ain't No Messiah audiobook.
Episode 57: Try Not to Die Updates and Chapter 4 of Ain't No Messiah Audiobook
April 07, 2020 22:22 - 40 minutes - 75.1 MBA quick update on the Try Not to Die series and Beyond Brightside. How I'm beginning to do brain training at home. Working out on the Hydrow. (9:00) Chapter 4 of Ain't No Messiah audiobook.
Episode 56: Try Not to Die Universe and Ain't No Messiah Chapter 3
March 31, 2020 17:14 - 41 minutes - 76.3 MBA quick update on the writing classes I've been doing on Facebook Live. My daughter's class at 12:30 (PST) is focusing on creating a short story and developing Try Not to Die: In 25 Perfect Days from scratch. My son's writing class has been cancelled and is now Cuddle Class where I film us just cuddling on the class. Might not be exciting to watch but I'm enjoying it. The Try Not to Die universe is expanding like crazy. Excited to be working with Steve Montgomery on Try Not to Die: Super Hi...
Episode 55: Ain't No Teacher and Ain't No Messiah Chapters 1 and 2
March 25, 2020 00:12 - 55 minutes - 101 MBThe second week of homeschool writing classes with my kids. Although I still don't feel like a real teacher, I'm having a lot of fun passing on what tools I've picked up a long the way. The start of Ain't No Messiah. I will share a new chapter every episode but this one starts with both chapters 1 and 2 (12 minutes in)
Episode 54: Free Writing Classes and “Last Embrace” and “Split Decision”
March 17, 2020 23:21 - 32 minutes - 58.9 MBQuick update on the four audiobooks being released this month. The new story ideas I’m working on: “The Time I met Jesus” and a pandemic story. A new TNTD: In the Pandemic is in the works and it is going to be awesome. Next week I’ll reveal the author. I will be offering free writing classes on Facebook live starting tomorrow. I don’t know the schedule yet but I plan on doing one class focused on young children ages 5-11, one for kids 12 and up, and one for adults. Includes the short s...
Episode 53: Beyond Brightside and "To Feed an Army"
March 10, 2020 13:29 - 27 minutes - 51 MBTalking about Beyond Brightside and the difficulty with writing a sequel. Announcing the winners of the Untold Mayhem contest and how to receive the free ebook version. Hoping to spend summer working on a dark fantasy trilogy with my daughter. Includes the short story "To Feed an Army"