Plot Twist Radio

Erin Egnatz
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Plot Twist Radio is where the best stories aren’t just written… they’re lived. Plot Twist Radio brings you conversations with authors, creators, and storytellers, uncovering the moments that changed everything. We dive into storytelling and inspiration through personal growth journeys. Each episode uncovers the defining plot twist that sparks transformation, featuring authors, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, athletes, screenwriters, and more. Host Erin Egnatz (Hauntings Around America, Eliza Nevius) brings a narrative-driven approach to stories about unexpected turns that shape lives.

  1. 1 day ago

    Laura Van Wormer on The Class of ’74, Reinventing Storytelling & Surviving the Plot Twist That Changed Everything

    Bestselling novelist Laura Van Wormer has spent decades telling stories, but her latest chapter may be her most unexpected yet. In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Laura looks back on a remarkable career that took her from Doubleday and the New York publishing world to writing bestselling fiction, including Riverside Drive, and ultimately to creating The Class of ’74, her serialized storytelling podcast inspired by her own high school generation. Laura shares how the television storytelling of Dallas and Dynasty influenced her approach to fiction, why cliffhangers remain such a powerful storytelling tool, and how The Class of ’74 combines fiction, history, nostalgia and the intimacy of podcasting to transport listeners back to the early 1970s. She also opens up about the devastating head-on collision that nearly took her life, the lasting effects of her injuries, and how losing some of the abilities she once relied upon as a novelist forced her to rethink what storytelling could look like. The conversation travels through publishing, pop culture, the music and social upheaval of the 1970s, high school memories, changing attitudes toward identity, and the surprising ways reconnecting with her Class of 1974 helped Laura rediscover both her past and herself. Plus, Laura discusses her upcoming Liberation Generation project and why she believes serialized podcast storytelling could offer writers an entirely new way to connect with audiences. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about reinvention, resilience, nostalgia and what happens when the story you planned for your life takes a plot twist of its own.

  2. 16 Aug

    Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Champion Dwayne Woodruff: From the NFL to the Judge’s Bench

    Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl champion Dwayne Woodruff joins Erin Egnatz on Plot Twist Radio to share the remarkable story of his journey from the NFL to the judge’s bench. Woodruff spent 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, beginning his career as a rookie on the legendary 1979 team that defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV. He takes us inside one of the greatest eras in Steelers history, remembering what it was like to play alongside NFL icons including Mean Joe Greene, Mel Blount, Donnie Shell, Jack Lambert, and L.C. Greenwood. But Woodruff’s story didn’t end when he left the football field. While still playing in the NFL, he attended Duquesne University School of Law at night, balancing Steelers practices, games, travel, and legal studies before launching an entirely new career. Now a longtime juvenile court judge in Pittsburgh, Woodruff discusses how the discipline, preparation, teamwork, and perseverance he learned in football shaped his approach to the law and his work with young people. He also reveals which accomplishment means even more to him than winning a Super Bowl, reflects on Pittsburgh’s legendary championship teams, and answers the important question: when Steelers fans recognize a former NFL player who became a judge, do they ask about football…or how to get out of jury duty? It’s a conversation about football, reinvention, public service, and what happens when one extraordinary chapter becomes the beginning of another.

    Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Champion Dwayne Woodruff: From the NFL to the Judge’s Bench

  3. 12 Aug

    The Undertaker’s Wife: Dee Branch Oliver on Funeral Homes, Grief, Death & Finding Humor in Loss

    What is life really like behind the doors of a funeral home? Author and licensed funeral director Dee Branch Oliver joins Erin Egnatz on Plot Twist Radio to share the remarkable story behind The Undertaker’s Wife and Going Out in Style. Dee’s introduction to the funeral business began in unforgettable fashion: her future husband, fourth-generation funeral director Johnny Oliver, took her on a first date that unexpectedly included responding to a death call. Years later, Dee found herself working in the family funeral home, earning her own degree in mortuary science and discovering just how differently those who work around death experience life. Dee also opens up about the sudden death of her husband, the grief that followed, and the startling realization that even two funeral directors were unprepared for their own family’s loss. She explains how writing became therapeutic, why humor belongs in conversations about death, and what she wishes more families understood about grieving. Now, as The Undertaker’s Wife marks its 10-year anniversary, Dee reflects on funeral-home myths, the emotional lives of funeral directors, navigating profound loss and why some of the objects we leave behind can become powerful sources of comfort. It’s a funny, candid and unexpectedly life-affirming conversation about death, love, grief and what happens when the people who help everyone else say goodbye have to face a goodbye of their own. You can find Dee's books here! I highly recommend checking them out!

  4. 10 Aug

    What Romance Novels Get Wrong About Sex: Christina Braver on Porn, Sexual Shame & Real Intimacy

    ***Adult themes are discussed*** Steamy romance author and psychology expert Christina Braver joins Erin Egnatz on Plot Twist Radio for a candid conversation about sex, romance novels, sexual shame, and the expectations fiction can create about real-life intimacy. With a master’s degree in clinical psychology and nine steamy contemporary romance novels to her name, Christina is an advocate for realistic, sex-positive representation in romantic fiction. She explains why she often begins a new novel with a sexual challenge her characters need to confront and how psychology influences the relationships, emotional wounds, and intimate conversations she writes. Christina also opens up about her novel Hawaii for Two, which explores a woman’s difficulty reaching orgasm with a partner and the pressure both women and men can experience surrounding sexual performance. The conversation dives into unrealistic sex in romance novels, the orgasm gap, sexual shame, pornography as an unintended source of sex education, and why readers may be learning far more about relationships from fiction than authors realize. Plus, Christina discusses why romance remains one of publishing’s most popular genres, why critics continue to dismiss it, the promise of the happily-ever-after, her plotting-versus-pantsing writing process, and how she went from lifelong romance reader to published author. It’s frank, funny, occasionally very spicy, and a fascinating look at what happens when romance, psychology, fantasy, and real-world sexuality collide. You can find more about Christina here.

  5. 8 Aug

    Air Force Veteran Terrence Rotering on Faith, Sci-Fi, Time Travel & the Multiverse He Never Planned to Write

    After 39 years in the U.S. Air Force, Terrence Rotering thought retirement would mean spending his days in the mountains with his dogs. Instead, an unexpected plot twist turned him into a prolific author building an enormous universe of fantasy, science fiction, time travel, faith, and spiritual warfare. In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Terrence joins Erin Egnatz to discuss his remarkable transition from flying jets to writing an ambitious multiverse spanning thousands of years, multiple worlds, and interconnected characters. Terrence reveals how stories originally written for his sons eventually grew into an expansive series blending fantasy and science fiction with concepts including time travel, black holes, artificial intelligence, photon entanglement, angels, demons, and the timeless battle between good and evil. He also shares the unusual “God winks” that have followed him throughout the writing process, including eerie coincidences surrounding the biblical location Tophet, the recurring number 3:16, and his granddaughter's name and birth date. Terrence explains how these experiences strengthened his faith and influenced the spiritual themes running through his books. Plus, Terrence and Erin talk about writing sequels, managing an increasingly complicated fictional universe, letting characters change the direction of a story, writing without rigid genre boundaries, and why some of the best ideas arrive when you're nowhere near the keyboard. Can fantasy, science fiction, faith, and cutting-edge physics coexist in one sprawling story? For Terrence Rotering, that's exactly where the adventure begins. 🎙️ In this episode: • Terrence's 39-year Air Force career and unexpected journey into writing • How one story became an enormous interconnected multiverse • Blending fantasy, science fiction, time travel, and spiritual warfare • The strange coincidences and “God winks” behind his books • Writing about faith without becoming preachy • AI, black holes, time dilation, and photon entanglement in fiction • Why characters sometimes take control of the story • His unusual writing process and advice for aspiring authors • Why Terrence wants readers to finish his books with hope You can find Terrence's books here! #TerrenceRotering #ScienceFiction #FantasyBooks #ChristianFiction #Faith #TimeTravel #SciFiBooks #FantasyAuthor #SpiritualWarfare #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #PlotTwistRadio

  6. 31 Jul

    Comedian Liz Miele Reveals How Viral Comedy Changed Stand-Up, Social Media & the Story Behind Murder Sheets

    Award-winning stand-up comedian Liz Miele joins Plot Twist Radio for a candid conversation about building a comedy career from the ground up, starting stand-up at just 16 years old, and how social media transformed the comedy industry. Liz shares the surprising stories behind her viral success, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how real-life frustrations become unforgettable jokes. She also discusses her comedy special Murder Sheets, her hilarious bestselling book Why Cats Are A******s, her new podcast First Draft Feelings, life after moving from New York to Los Angeles, and why some of the biggest laughs come from the moments you never expected. If you're interested in stand-up comedy, comedy writing, viral content, creative careers, or simply love hearing how comedians find humor in everyday life, this episode is packed with insight and laughs. Topics Covered: Liz Miele's comedy journey from age 16How social media changed stand-up comedyWriting jokes from real-life experiencesThe story behind Murder Sheets Going viral as a comedianComedy specials and touringWhy Cats Are AssholesFirst Draft Feelings podcastNew York vs. Los Angeles comedy cultureLife, relationships, and finding humor in everyday chaos

    Comedian Liz Miele Reveals How Viral Comedy Changed Stand-Up, Social Media & the Story Behind Murder Sheets

  7. 28 Jul

    Published at 75: Shirley B. Novak on Human Trafficking, Writing Without an Outline & Never Giving Up

    Can your biggest dream begin after retirement? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, I sit down with author Shirley B. Novak, whose path to becoming a published novelist proves it's never too late to reinvent yourself. After careers in medicine, teaching, and running a successful interior design business, Shirley published her first novel at 75 years old and has never looked back. We discuss the unforgettable fourth-grade teacher who predicted her writing future, the heartbreaking true family history that inspired her debut novel, why she walked away from a traditional publishing deal, and the success of her bestselling thriller Stolen Lives, a gripping novel exploring the dark reality of human trafficking. Along the way, Shirley shares hilarious stories about being mistaken for a terrorist by the Secret Service and TSA, why she writes without outlines, and the lessons she's learned about creativity, persistence, and embracing new adventures at every stage of life. Whether you're an aspiring writer, an avid reader, or someone wondering if it's too late to chase a dream, this conversation will leave you inspired. In this episode, we discuss: Becoming a published author at 75The true story that inspired Shirley's first novelThe inspiration behind Stolen Lives Human trafficking in fictionTraditional publishing vs. independent publishingWriting without an outlineMarketing books as an indie authorWhy it's never too late to reinvent yourselfLife lessons, motherhood, and finding purpose through storytellingIf you enjoy conversations about books, publishing, writing, and inspiring life journeys, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode of Plot Twist Radio. Find Shirley here.

  8. 26 Jul

    The Untold Story of Alan Hovhaness: Bill Holst on the Legendary Composer, His Music & Extraordinary Life

    Discover the remarkable life of legendary composer Alan Hovhaness through the eyes of his stepson, Bill Holst. In this fascinating episode of Plot Twist Radio, Bill shares intimate family stories, the inspiration behind a heartfelt new book, and the incredible legacy of a composer who wrote more than 500 works, including 67 symphonies. We discuss Hovhaness's love of nature, spirituality, his friendships with influential musicians, his travels through India and Japan, his connection to Ravi Shankar, and the deeply personal journey of preserving his story for future generations. Whether you're a fan of classical music, music history, or inspiring creative lives, this conversation offers a rare look behind one of the twentieth century's most prolific composers. Find out more: Here Keywords: Alan Hovhaness, Bill Holst, classical music, composer interview, symphony, Ravi Shankar, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Armenian composer, music history, Plot Twist Radio, author interview

    The Untold Story of Alan Hovhaness: Bill Holst on the Legendary Composer, His Music & Extraordinary Life
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About

Plot Twist Radio is where the best stories aren’t just written… they’re lived. Plot Twist Radio brings you conversations with authors, creators, and storytellers, uncovering the moments that changed everything. We dive into storytelling and inspiration through personal growth journeys. Each episode uncovers the defining plot twist that sparks transformation, featuring authors, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, athletes, screenwriters, and more. Host Erin Egnatz (Hauntings Around America, Eliza Nevius) brings a narrative-driven approach to stories about unexpected turns that shape lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Erin Egnatz
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Erin Egnatz
  • Show Website
    Plot Twist Radio