The Bell Cow Round-up

Bell Cow Productions
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Hosts Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride are rounding up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider literary world—publishers, authors, and more. This is where we shine a light on the people you need to hear from and the process behind their work. Get ready for short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft. We’re ringing the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next good book, maybe even one written in your own backyard. Join the herd, or least give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, follow!

Episodes

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    🐮 Bell Cow Author Round-up: Thekla Madsen (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word. The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow! Today we’re joined by thriller and mystery author Thekla Madsen, whose novel Bad JuJu and the Eye of Oya blends fast-paced suspense with supernatural undertones. Thekla’s writing crackles with energy—her thrillers are known for smart twists, vivid characters, and a distinctive voice that pulls readers in from the first page. Thekla has long been part of the Midwest writing community, mentoring new authors, participating in critique groups, and championing bold, risk-taking storytelling. Her work often explores themes of fate, choice, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. She’s also a lively conversationalist—equal parts thoughtful and mischievous—and her creative process is infused with curiosity and a delight in the strange. You can learn more about Thekla at: https://www.facebook.com/BadJuJuinCleveland2014 Her books—including Bad JuJu and the Eye of Oya—can be found wherever books are sold and at Minnesota’s iconic Once Upon a Crime bookstore: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/ In this episode, Thekla talks about balancing thriller pacing with supernatural elements, writing bold characters, and finding the joy in storytelling’s darker edges. You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com). And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!) #bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

    32 min

  2. 17 FEB

    🐮 Bell Cow Author Round-up: Dean Hovey (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word. The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow! Today we’re joined by Minnesota author Dean Hovey, whose long-running mysteries—including the Whistling Pines and Pine County series—have become staples for readers who love small-town settings, offbeat characters, and twisty investigations. His newest release, Whistling Librarian, continues his talent for blending cozy charm with genuine suspense, giving readers both a puzzle to solve and a community to fall in love with. Dean writes across mystery sub-genres—cozies, procedurals, and traditional whodunits—and brings a keen eye for human behavior and a dry sense of humor to every story. A former educator and administrator, he draws inspiration from real community dynamics, weaving in the quirks, warmth, and occasional chaos of small-town Midwest life. His Minnesota settings feel wonderfully authentic because they’re built from lived experience. You can learn more about Dean at: https://www.facebook.com/dean.hovey.94/ His books—including Whistling Librarian—are available wherever books are sold and at Minnesota’s beloved Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/ In this episode, Dean talks about writing across sub-genres, crafting memorable amateur sleuths, and finding fresh mysteries in familiar places. You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com). And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!) #bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

    27 min

  3. 10 FEB

    🐮 Bell Cow Author Round-up: Judy Kerr (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word. The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow! Today we’re joined by Minnesota mystery author Judy Kerr, whose forthcoming novel Postmarked Castle Cove blends police-procedural grit with atmospheric, emotionally layered storytelling. A retired police sergeant with decades of experience, Judy brings an authenticity to her fiction that can’t be faked—her investigations feel lived-in, meticulously researched, and grounded in the psychological realities of police work. Judy has written for years about grief, resilience, and the complicated lives of those who serve in law enforcement. Her characters are flawed, human, and compelling, shaped as much by their personal histories as by the cases they investigate. Beyond her fiction, Judy is a frequent speaker and advocate for trauma-informed approaches within both policing and storytelling, and she’s beloved within the Minnesota writing community for her candor, humor, and generosity. You can learn more about Judy at: https://www.judymkerr.com Her books—including Postmarked Castle Cove—are available wherever books are sold, and mystery fans will also find her work at Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/ In this episode, Judy discusses authenticity in procedural writing, the emotional toll of police work, and building stories that honor both justice and humanity. You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com). And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!) #bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

    26 min

  4. 3 FEB

    🐮 Bell Cow Author Round-up: Scott Welvaert (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word. The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow! Today we’re joined by Minnesota author Scott Welvaert, whose latest novel Escape from Atlantis City blends young-adult energy with big-canvas world-building. Scott writes the kinds of adventures he loved growing up—stories fueled by imagination, peril, and heart—and his YA science-fiction and fantasy novels deliver high-stakes action alongside characters who feel authentic and emotionally grounded. Scott is also a screenwriter and visual storyteller, and that cinematic instinct shows up throughout his work. His scenes move, his worlds breathe, and his characters navigate danger in ways that feel both epic and deeply personal. His books often explore themes of belonging, bravery, and what it means to step into your own power—timeless questions that resonate with readers of all ages. You can learn more about Scott at: https://scottwelvaert.com/. His novels—including Escape from Atlantis City—can be found wherever books are sold. In this episode, Scott talks about writing for teens, building fantastical worlds without losing emotional truth, and why speculative fiction continues to expand the boundaries of what's possible on the page. You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com). And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!) #bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

    37 min

  5. 27 JAN

    🐮 Bell Cow Author Round-up: Mary Seifert (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word. The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow! Today we’re joined by Minnesota author Mary Seifert, whose Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries have charmed readers with their humor, heart, and irresistible whodunits. Her latest installment, Airplanes, Atlanta & an Assassin, drops readers into another high-stakes adventure filled with clever puzzles, quirky characters, and the emotional intelligence that makes her series so beloved. A former teacher and lifelong storyteller, Mary blends warmth and wit with tightly crafted mysteries that keep readers smiling even as the clues pile up. Her protagonist—math-loving Katie—brings a refreshing, brainy spin to the cozy genre, and Mary’s knack for crafting lovable side characters gives each book a lived-in, small-town feel. Beyond her writing, Mary is known for her kindness, generosity, and the way she instantly puts people at ease—qualities that shine through in her fiction. You can learn more about Mary at: https://www.maryseifertauthor.com Her books—including Airplanes, Atlanta & an Assassin—are available wherever books are sold. Minnesota listeners can also find her cozy mysteries on the shelves at Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/ In this episode, Mary talks about crafting cozies with heart, writing quirky characters, and why mystery and comfort pair so perfectly. You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com). And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!) #bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

    29 min

  6. 20 JAN

    🐮 Bell Cow Author Round-up: Michael Mallory (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word. The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow! Today we’re joined by author Michael Mallory, creator of the Snake Jones series and a longtime voice in mystery and crime fiction. His newest novel, Tiger Claw, continues his trademark blend of hard-edged plotting, noir flavor, and character-driven suspense. Mallory’s background as a journalist and critic informs his sharp prose—he knows how to deliver clean, vivid writing that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last. Michael has published more than 150 short stories, essays, and articles, and his work spans genres including mystery, adventure, and pop-culture history. He is also a recognized Sherlockian scholar and has written multiple books on classic Hollywood and the evolution of genre storytelling. Behind the scenes, Michael is as generous as he is prolific: he mentors emerging writers, participates in countless literary panels, and is deeply connected to the international mystery community. You can learn more about Michael at: https://www.snakejones.com/ His books—including Tiger Claw—are available wherever books are sold, and readers can also find his noir-infused mysteries at Minnesota’s beloved Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/ In this episode, Michael talks about noir sensibilities, iconic detectives, and crafting tension that never lets the reader go. You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com). And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!) #bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

    32 min

  7. 13 JAN

    🐮 Bell Cow Author Round-up: Lynn Garthwaite (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word. The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow! Today we’re joined by Minnesota author Lynn Garthwaite, whose work spans children’s books, nonfiction, and her gripping adult thriller Starless Midnight. Lynn brings a rare versatility to her writing—her stories are grounded in real human struggles, propelled by suspense, and elevated by her keen sense of character. Starless Midnight in particular offers a taut, atmospheric mystery that highlights her ability to turn ordinary lives into extraordinary narratives. Lynn is also the force behind Blue Spectrum Books, an independent publishing house committed to championing diverse voices and expanding the literary landscape. Her advocacy for accessibility and inclusion shapes both her publishing and her writing, and Minnesota’s literary community is stronger for it. She brings curiosity, compassion, and a deep love of storytelling to every project she touches. You can learn more about Lynn at: https://www.bluespectrumbooks.com/about Her books can be found wherever books are sold—and Minnesota mystery lovers will also find Starless Midnight on the shelves at Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/ In this episode, Lynn shares how she crafts suspense, why she loves writing across genres, and what it means to build community through storytelling. You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com). And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!) #bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

    28 min

  8. 6 JAN

    🐮 Bell Cow Author Round-up: Frank Weber (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word. The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow! Today we’re joined by Minnesota true-crime author and forensic psychologist Frank Weber, whose chilling and compassionate storytelling comes directly from decades spent studying the darkest corners of human behavior. His newest novel, Heartbreak Hollow, continues his signature blend of psychological depth, haunting atmosphere, and razor-sharp plotting. Frank’s background—working with both victims and violent offenders—gives him rare insight into trauma, motive, and the complexities of the human mind, and it shows in every character he writes. Frank is also an in-demand speaker, known for presentations on criminology, deception detection, and forensic science. Whether he’s analyzing cold cases or diving into criminal profiling, he brings clarity, humanity, and a deep respect for the real people behind the headlines. His books have earned a devoted Minnesota readership not just because they’re gripping, but because Frank approaches even the darkest stories with empathy and an eye toward understanding. You can learn more about Frank at: https://www.frankweberauthor.com/ His novels—including Heartbreak Hollow—are available wherever books are sold, including Minnesota’s iconic mystery bookstore Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/ And, we get a preview of the audiobook version of Heartbreak Hollow! Additionally, Frank talks with us about trauma, storytelling, and the moral responsibility of writing true-crime-infused fiction. You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com). And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!) #bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

    34 min

  9. 09/12/2025

    Bell Cow Author Round-up: Michael David MacBride--his turn on the "hot seat" (with hosts Michael MacBride & Rob Jung)

    In this episode of the Bell Cow Author Round-up, co-hosts Michael David MacBride and Rob Jung switch chairs—figuratively and literally—as Rob takes the interviewer reins and Michael becomes the featured author. Michael is the author of At the Wake, a literary, multi-generational novel praised by Kirkus Reviews as “a powerful and nuanced family saga” and “an engrossing narrative about the long shadow of a violent patriarch.” His writing blends emotional depth, sharp observation, and a rare ability to map the fault lines that run through families, identity, and the stories we inherit. Today, Michael shares a short reading from At the Wake and dives into: • the book’s origins in family lore, memory, and unanswered questions • why he gravitates toward stories that sit at the intersection of psychology and narrative • how his background in academia, podcasting, and creative writing shaped the novel • the path from early drafts to publication • and what readers can expect next in his upcoming projects Rob closes the episode with the signature Round-up Questions, putting Michael on the spot about his favorite films, what he cooks best, who he’d spend a day with (living or dead), and whether he prefers a wild night out or a quiet evening at home. You can learn more about Michael at: 🔗 https://www.michaelmacbride.com And you can order At The Wake anywhere books are sold. Want more Minnesota authors to add to your shelf? Explore the full herd at: 🔗 https://www.bellcowproductions.com 🐮 Join the herd. Or at least give us a listen. #BellCow #BellCowProductions #BellCowRoundup #MinnesotaAuthors #AuthorInterview #AtTheWake #LiteraryFiction #FamilySaga #MichaelDavidMacBride

    37 min

  10. 02/12/2025

    Bell Cow Author Round-up: Rob Jung--wait, isn't he a host? (with hosts Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    Hosts Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride are in the saddle, rounding up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log — and sometimes, one of their own. In this episode, the spotlight turns toward author, publisher, and Bell Cow co-conspirator Rob Jung. Rob is the author of The Chimera Chronicles trilogy, including his newest psychological thriller Judgment Day. An attorney, journalist, and lifelong storyteller, Rob blends sharp plotting with deep psychological tension, weaving thrillers that explore corruption, identity, and the fragile boundaries between truth and deception. In today’s round-up, Rob reads a short excerpt from Judgment Day, then sits on the other side of the mic to talk about: • how the Chimera series began • the real-world inspirations behind his psychological thrillers • what keeps him writing, revising, and reinventing • and his unexpected path into publishing and community-building And yes — Michael gets to ask Rob the "Rapid-Fire" Round-up Questions, so you’ll learn which historical figure he’d spend a day with, what he cooks best, and whether he’s a “night on the town” or “fireplace and blanket” kind of guy. You can learn more about Rob at: 🔗 https://robjungwriter.com/ You can buy Judgment Day, and the rest of Rob's books wherever books are sold. Want to discover more great Minnesota fiction authors? Explore the full herd at: https://www.bellcowproductions.com 🐮 (Moo responsibly.) #BellCow #BellCowProductions #BellCowRoundup #PsychologicalThriller #MinnesotaAuthors #AuthorInterview #JudgmentDay #TheChimeraChronicles

    31 min

  11. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Bell Cow Author Round-up: A Quick Introduction--Meet Your Hosts (Rob Jung & Michael MacBride)

    Welcome to the very first episode of the Bell Cow Author Round-up, where hosts Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride ring the bell for Minnesota’s literary herd. Wait, is this a proper episode? No, you're right. It's more of a short introduction. Oh well, in this introductory episode, Rob and Michael share the story behind Bell Cow Productions—a creative partnership built to help independent authors find their readers, librarians, and booksellers. You’ll hear how the Bell Cow Cattle-log began, what makes a “bell cow” the leader of the herd, and why this whole project exists to spotlight local fiction authors across Minnesota and nearby states. Each upcoming episode will feature a different author from the Bell Cow Cattle-log, including short readings, behind-the-scenes stories, and some light-hearted “round-up questions” to end every chat. Together, the catalog and podcast aim to raise awareness of the incredible literary voices living right next door.So settle in for this kick-off conversation—equal parts fun, informative, and full of cow puns (sorry, not sorry). We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait for you to join the herd. 🐮 Bell Cow Productions📚 www.bellcowproductions.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and YouTube #BellCow #BellCowProductions #BellCowRoundup #MinnesotaAuthors #AuthorInterviews

    3 min

Trailer

About

Hosts Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride are rounding up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider literary world—publishers, authors, and more. This is where we shine a light on the people you need to hear from and the process behind their work. Get ready for short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft. We’re ringing the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next good book, maybe even one written in your own backyard. Join the herd, or least give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, follow!

Information

  • Creator
    Bell Cow Productions
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bell Cow Productions
  • Show Website
    The Bell Cow Round-up