What's Kraken with Jo Szewczyk

Jo Szewczyk
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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!

  1. Madeleine Sims-Fewer & Dusty Mancinelli on Honey Bunch | What's Kraken Interview

    1D AGO · VIDEO

    Madeleine Sims-Fewer & Dusty Mancinelli on Honey Bunch | What's Kraken Interview

    In this episode of What’s Kraken, Jo sits down with filmmakers Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli about their chilling new Shudder premiere, Honey Bunch—a psychological thriller exploring lost memories, experimental trauma treatments, and the dark underbelly of a marriage tested to its limits. They open up about their collaborative writing-directing process, the challenges of indie horror, and how personal dynamics shape their storytelling. No spoilers, just raw insight into crafting tense, hallucinatory cinema. Catch Honey Bunch now on Shudder!  Check out more at https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell.  We are Amazon Affiliates—if you use any Amazon links we share and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Opening riff – Jo kicks off with wild energy, setting the stage for a candid chat with the Honey Bunch creators  Insights– Madeleine and Dusty reveal how their real-life partnership influences the film's twisted relationship dynamics  Personal story – The duo shares how their writing process evolves when directing together—collaboration, clashes, and creative breakthroughs  Why it matters – From shorts to features--these two have resurrected the art of writing plots that twist as much as they matter.

    18 min
  2. Amelie Delfly on Hotel Life, World Travel & Dreams | What's Kraken Interview

    2025-12-27 · VIDEO

    Amelie Delfly on Hotel Life, World Travel & Dreams | What's Kraken Interview

    In this episode of What’s Kraken, Jo surprises co-host Amelie with a deep dive into her fascinating life – from growing up in a historic French bed and breakfast to working hotels across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Amelie shares heartfelt stories of family work ethic, saving fiercely for independence, falling in love with Asia's community spirit, and her burning dream of owning a B&B that empowers others. From childhood hustles earning Toys R Us gift cards to navigating young adult struggles, this raw chat inspires dreaming big and grinding smart. Check out more at https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell. We're Amazon Affiliates – if you buy through our links, we earn a commission! KEY MOMENTS Surprise trap – Jo ambushes Amelie mid-movie hangout for an unplanned What's Kraken takeover Childhood hustle spark – Amelie greets guests at age 5, racks up Toys R Us gift cards from impressed English visitors Family work ethic insight – Growing up in a public bed and breakfast teaches discipline, politeness, and helping out from day one Young adult grind story – Saving fiercely at McDonald's, dishwashing gigs, and hostels to gain independence without burdening parents Asia love revelation – Why family-run businesses, friendliness, and community in Asia stole her heart and mirrored her upbringing

    47 min
  3. Lee Hatfield from S.I.P.A. Paranormal Chronicles on Building a Monster Podcast & Real Hauntings | What's Kraken Interview

    2025-12-10 · VIDEO

    Lee Hatfield from S.I.P.A. Paranormal Chronicles on Building a Monster Podcast & Real Hauntings | What's Kraken Interview

    Jo goes FULL chaotic energy with Lee Hatfield (S.I.P.A. Paranormal Chronicles) as they unpack how Lee launched a paranormal podcast that exploded in 2025, booked guests until mid-January, and still finds time to get stroked by ghosts in creepy jails. From EVPs that make jaws drop to seeing a full apparition walk past his bed in New York, Lee spills the real tea on scientific investigating, time slips, and why patience + spreadsheets = paranormal gold. Jo admits he’s jealous Lee got ghost-touched and they both roast flashy ghost-hunting gadgets. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this episode will make you think and laugh. Check out our other shows→ https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell (we’re Amazon Affiliates — if you click our links and buy stuff, we get a little kickback, thank you legends!) KEY MOMENTS Opening chaos – Jo can’t read Lee’s name, blames laundry list, instant friendship roast Lee’s origin spark – From one nervous episode with Jo to 47+ bangers and guests booked into 2026 Behind-the-scenes hustle – Spreadsheets, TidyCal, and the art of never ghosting your own guests Personal goosebump story – Lee gets gently stroked by a ghost...no, not that way! + full apparition in NY Why it matters – Real investigating means debunking first, wonder second — and that’s how you earn respect

    49 min
  4. Robert Howell on Writing & Publishing | What's Kraken Interview

    2025-10-22 · VIDEO

    Robert Howell on Writing & Publishing | What's Kraken Interview

    Jo gets local—and real—with author Robert Howell in this surprising and heartfelt episode of What’s Kraken. From childhood storytelling to publishing paranormal thrillers, Robert shares how a single rejection letter helped shape his 50-year writing journey. They dive into the origin stories behind Blood Mansion and Blood Castle, the quirks of self-publishing, and the minefield of indie publishing contracts. Robert talks candidly about staying grounded through the highs and lows of book launches, the importance of research in fiction, and how his kids helped him re-enter the writing world. Plus, how a haunted-feeling property and a real-life “wind phone” inspired his creepiest books yet. KEY MOMENTS: Opening riff – Jo’s playful intro: “Today… I could just touch your house if I want to, Robert!” Guest’s big insight – Robert on keeping his first rejection letter for 50 years to remember the next step will be better. Behind‑the‑scenes moment – How Robert’s idea for Blood Mansion came from visiting a creeped‑out empty property during his job in property‑management. Personal story – Transitioning from sci‑fi short stories as a teen to a young‑adult urban fantasy novel and then into self‑publishing. Why it matters – The broader takeaway: writing is a long game, publishing contracts matter, owning your rights counts—and dreams don’t expire.👉 Books mentioned: Blood Mansion, Blood Castle, A Devil of a Time👻 Themes: ghosts, witches, horror grounded in reality, self-doubt, perseverance, and writing as survival🖊️ Find Robert at: storywriter.ca or @StoryWriter on all the socials🌐 And don’t forget: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell We are Amazon Affiliates—if we use an Amazon link and you click or buy, we do earn money.

    39 min
  5. Portable Worlds & Dumb Dares with Matt Henderson (Loke Battle Mats) | What's Kraken

    2025-10-15 · VIDEO

    Portable Worlds & Dumb Dares with Matt Henderson (Loke Battle Mats) | What's Kraken

    Jo chats with Matt Henderson of Loke Battle Mats about building portable, erasable battle-map books, why modular tools beat bulky map tubes, and turning “players derailed my prep” into a feature. Matt also teases Loke’s party-at-the-table card decks—Deck of Many Insults and Dumb Dares & Silly Sidequests—plus the new Dungeon Designer toolkit for instant encounters and solo play. He shares his one-line advice to younger him: bet on yourself—be your own boss and set your destiny.👉 More from us: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell💀 We are Amazon Affiliates. If you click or buy through any Amazon links we share, we may earn a commission. 🔑 Key Moments From wargame mats to erasable RPG map books you can throw in a bag. Why modular, two-book spreads beat single giant maps for fast session pivots. Built-in QR codes for matching digital maps (VTT/online play). Deck of Many Insults and Dumb Dares & Silly Sidequests: party energy inside the RPG. Dungeon Designer: scenery + encounter cards + mini guide = instant dungeons & solo-ready play. Design ethos: make tools they want as players/DMs; ship quickly, iterate. Advice to younger self: start your own thing—“put your money on you.”

    29 min
  6. Games for Everyone with Derek Chung of Nomnivore | What's Kraken Interview

    2025-10-08 · VIDEO

    Games for Everyone with Derek Chung of Nomnivore | What's Kraken Interview

    In this episode of What’s Kraken, Jo sits down with Derek Chung from Nomnivore Games to talk accessibility, inclusivity, and why fun should always come first in game design. From the origins of the “Nomnivore” name to building games that double as therapeutic tools, Derek shares how titles like Emberwind, Snack Attack, and Nomaventure are breaking barriers and bringing players of all ages and abilities to the table. 👉 Explore more: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell 💀 We are Amazon Affiliates. If you click or buy through any Amazon links we share, we may earn a commission. 🔑 Key Moments Origin story – How late-night MMO raids (and snacks) inspired Nomnivore. Design philosophy – Accessibility isn’t an afterthought; it’s the foundation. Games as therapy – Why Derek says “therapeutic,” not “therapy.” Catalog highlights – From Snack Attack to Emberwind, modular games for every player. Advice to his younger self – “Get more sleep now — you won’t later.” Why it matters – Games as community builders: no kid eats lunch alone.

    34 min
  7. Michael of Weathered Dragon on Crafting Gaming Tables | What's Kraken Interview

    2025-10-01 · VIDEO

    Michael of Weathered Dragon on Crafting Gaming Tables | What's Kraken Interview

    Jo sits down with Michael from Weathered Dragon, a true craftsman who turned a personal Dungeons & Dragons passion project into some of the most stunning custom gaming tables on the market. From his Gen Con beginnings to barstool-height builds that actually save your back, Michael shares the journey of bringing artistry, woodworking, and community into every design. 🎲 Check out Weathered Dragon at theweathereddragon.com or on Instagram @weathereddragon. 👉 Don’t forget: we are Amazon Affiliates — if we share an Amazon link and you use it, we may earn a small commission. KEY MOMENTS Opening spark – Jo recalls spotting Weathered Dragon’s booth at Gen Con and instantly knowing it was “a table made for people like me.” From hobby to business – Michael explains how his Harbinger game table, built just for his family, launched a full-time craft. Gen Con lessons – From bad booth locations to building crowd energy, Michael breaks down the chaos of con life. Craft vs. commerce – Why Weathered Dragon tables blow away overpriced competitors, and what makes Michael’s barstool-height model unique. Passion for the build – Michael talks woodworking roots, dry-brush weathering, and why each table is one-of-a-kind. Community over sales – Customers become friends, even flying him out to California to play on their inaugural table. Advice to younger self – “Keep pushing through setbacks. Take the punches, then come back swinging harder.”

    37 min
  8. Kyona Jiles on Winning Awards & Writing Fantasy Romance | What's Kraken Interview

    2025-09-24 · VIDEO

    Kyona Jiles on Winning Awards & Writing Fantasy Romance | What's Kraken Interview

    In this episode of What’s Kraken, Jo sits down with Kyona Jiles, award-winning romance and fantasy author of First Death and Second Chance. They dive into her creative escape into writing, her early struggles with vanity publishing, and the resilience it took to turn setbacks into award-winning success. From dark humor in grief to building entire worlds filled with vampires, shapeshifters, and sexy FBI agents, Kyona brings honesty, laughter, and wisdom to the mic. Check out Kyona's books here: https://amzn.to/46lvBDq 👉 Follow all our madness here: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell 💀 We are Amazon Affiliates. If you click or buy through any Amazon links we share, we may earn a commission. 🔑 Key Moments Opening riff – Jo pokes fun at mispronunciations before introducing Kyona. Origin story – Kyona shares how childhood contests and imagination led her to write. Family roots in fantasy – Dragons, unicorns, and a Wrinkle in Time set her path. Vanity publishing nightmare – How she got burned and the hard lessons learned. Award-winning redemption – From setbacks to winning both 1st and 2nd place in RWA’s Prism Awards. Teacher life vs. author life – Balancing the classroom with writing romance, suspense, and fantasy. Dark humor in grief – Her new project My Dead Sister transforms loss into a cathartic, witty narrative. Advice to younger self – Don’t try to fit in. Be yourself.

    51 min
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About

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!

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