Citywide Blackout

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Citywide Blackout is the home for artists of all kinds, from filmmakers to musicians to authors and everything in between. The show also covers comic-cons, book expos, and film festivals.

  1. 1D AGO

    Citywide Blackout podcast trailer

    Citywide Blackout is your source for the best musicians, writers and filmmakers from around the world!

    1 min

  2. FEB 27

    DM Ray takes on a quest in debut comic series

    Who’s ready for a quest?! Comic creator/writer DM Ray joins us to talk about his debut fantasy comic series, “The Madcaps,” being published by Philbo Entertainment. It’s a medieval fantasy mini-series about the reunion of four friends interrupted by a local drug problem. Ray, Curtis and Max talk about the making of the four main characters—Dunnan, Sarlac, Chasgo and Medrakus. We dive into backstories, how the idea for the series came about, and how it feels to have it ready to go! Ray introduces us to the team behind the comic— art by Evan Quiring, colors by Dan Kemp, and letters by Micah Myers. He shares how he met these folks and what it’s been like working together. He also talks about the experience of getting published by Philbo Entertainment and shares some advice on how others can make their own comic ideas become reality. Like what you heard? Then connect with DM Ray on Instagram under raymondthedm.

    49 min

  3. FEB 23

    Citywide Bytes—Exploring the stories of SHP Comics

    Founded in 2021 by Shawn Hainsworth, SHP Comics is a blend of different styles and stories, from children’s imagination to horror set at Woodstock. Shawn joins us to introduce the company and how it came to be, as well as the different titles they’re working on. One of those is “Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King,” out on April 14. Deep underground, Zicky plunges into the lair of the Rat King—a tyrant amassing an army of rodents to invade the real world. A mysterious supervillain lurks in the shadows, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance. Shawn shares the origin of Zicky and how he connected with the team of writers and artists that brought the idea to life. We also dive into how those of you with your own idea for a story can make it happen. Like what you’ve heard? Then check out https://shpcomics.com/. “Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King” is available for pre-order, and there’s a lot more to check out!

    29 min

  4. FEB 20

    Debut author rewrites the nature of birth

    Victoria Dillon’s new novel “Ava” (She Writes Press, March 3) asks a pivotal question: What if the only way to reclaim reproductive freedom was to rewrite the very nature of birth itself?  Ten years after Roe v. Wade is overturned, 22-year-old comparative biologist Larkin finds herself unexpectedly pregnant in a country where choice is no longer an option. Initially uncertain, she embraces motherhood—until a devastating diagnosis changes everything. Trapped by Tennessee’s strict abortion laws, she is forced to carry her baby, Maeve, to term, only to endure the heartbreak of losing her hours after birth.  Years later, still haunted by her loss, Larkin joins a radical scientific movement that could change everything: a groundbreaking technology that replaces gestation with incubation, allowing women true control over their reproduction. When she uses it to bring her second daughter, Ava, into the world, she believes she has finally reclaimed her autonomy. But as Ava grows and begins to question the very choice that created her, Larkin is challenged in ways she never imagined.  In this interview, Victoria talks about her background as a former research scientist and how this factored into the book, including how she developed this entirely new way for humans to give birth. She shares the day that Roe V Wade was repealed and how this singular event inspired the book. We also discuss Larkin, how the loss of her first child leads her to try this new science and the repercussion on her and her second child Ava. If you enjoyed the interview, check out more at https://victoriadillonauthor.com/.

    32 min

  5. FEB 16

    Citywide Bytes—Kimberly Behre Kenna takes a ‘chance’ with new book

    Kimberly Behre Kenna has become a familiar name on this show, having been featured twice already. So of course, I knew we had to have her back on for the third book in her Brave Girls Collection, “Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances” out on March 3. In this episode, Kimberly talks about the theme of second chances and how it’s featured in the book. We’re introduced to Lola, who’s desperate to complete their treasured Perfect Pairs Collection after the death of her twin sister. We talk about Uncle Milo, and how Connecticut actor and inventor William Gillette inspired him. Want to learn more? Then check out https://www.kimberlybehrekenna.com.

    20 min

  6. FEB 13

    A ‘crossfire’ of stories in Wendy Gee’s books

    Some of it comes from real life, some of it from her imagination. The result—the Carolina Crossfire Mystery series, now two books in….and more to come! In this episode, author Wendy Gee joins us to talk about her newest addition, “Side Hustle,” and you’re going to love the story. Charleston’s top investigative TV reporter, Sydney Quinn, lives to expose the city’s darkest secrets. So, when a former firefighter takes two paramedics hostage, she talks her way inside, offering to gather intel for the police in exchange for a story that could boost her career. But when Sydney finds the body of her friend, a local insurance executive at the scene, the scoop of a lifetime turns personal. The hostage-taker swears he’s been framed, pulling Sydney into a web of cybercrime, stolen identities, and corporate corruption that stretches far beyond Charleston’s polished waterfront.  Wendy talks about the lengthy worldbuilding and research that she did, which included a week shadowing a TV news crew. She shows us the origin of the series and how it grew from one book to two, with a third on the way. She talks about the creation of her protagonist, Sydney Quinn, and how she handles a story that goes far beyond what she thought it was. And of course, we get a look at Book 3. Like what you heard? Then visit https://wendygeeauthor.com to learn more. You can also check out our Five by Five with Wendy at https://citywideblackout.blogspot.com/2025/06/five-by-fiveauthors-work-in.html.

    33 min
  7. Citywide Bytes—A walk around with Bernie Barlow

    FEB 9

    Citywide Bytes—A walk around with Bernie Barlow

    From years spent as a backup singer for the Moody Blues, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, and Janiva Magness to releasing her albums “Redeemed” and “Walking Around This Town,” Bernie Barlow has had quite the music career. In this episode, we dive into her time with these musical legends and how this influenced her as an artist. She talks about her recent release, “Walking Around This Town,” and the people she worked with to make it happen. She talks about the stories contained within the songs and the most meaningful tracks. And of course, we learn about what she has planned down the road. Closing out this interview is “Brave,” which I enjoyed so much, I had to check out the rest of the album. Like what you heard? Then visit www.berniebarlow.com. From there you can follow her socials and purchase her music.

    28 min

  8. FEB 2

    Citywide Bytes—John Ward returns with “A Blackened Heart”

    Horror author John Ward is back, but instead of killer clowns, we’re talking about dark entities in his new book, “A Blackened Heart, A Blackened Soul,” now out through Crystal Lake Publishing. John Tinsley’s life was shattered as a child when he lost his mother in a tragic car accident—but that was only the beginning. From that moment, a dark entity marked him, one intent on destroying everything and everyone he loves. Haunted by visions, hunted by shadows, and carrying the scars of his childhood, John must now confront the darkness as an adult, facing a malevolent force that has followed him into every stage of his life. John talks about the how his own life and the people in it provided inspiration for the book and the experience of revisiting these moments as he penned the novel. We even go into his career as a paranormal investigator and how this factored into the book. And of course, we talk about the sick cover that he used and get introduced to the brilliant mind behind it! Like what you’ve heard? Then click on the link below to purchase John’s works. You can also find him on Instragram under john_ward_horror, where he’s always exploring the dark corners of his books. John Ward on Crystal Lake Publishing— https://www.crystallakepub.com/product-tag/john-ward/

    24 min
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About

Citywide Blackout is the home for artists of all kinds, from filmmakers to musicians to authors and everything in between. The show also covers comic-cons, book expos, and film festivals.

Information

  • Creator
    citywideblackout
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Citywide Blackout