Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Laced with Morality

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson Hayes

Murder, Mystery, & Mayhem Laced with Morality is a gripping learning and networking hub for writers who dare to explore the shadows—without losing sight of the light. Rooted in suspense, thriller, mystery, and crime, this podcast features powerful conversations with authors, publishing professionals, and experts in law enforcement, psychology, forensics, editing, marketing, and storytelling craft. Each episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to write stories that are authentic, compelling, and unforgettable. Whether you’re crafting a high-stakes thriller, a redemptive romance, a memoir born from lived experience, or faith-based nonfiction, you’ll gain practical insight on character development, research, storytelling structure, and navigating the publishing journey—where truth matters, justice has a voice, and light pierces through the darkness with the spoken and written word.

  1. 5d ago

    Chad Boudreaux—National Security & What is Takes to Lead When The Stakes are High

    🎙️ Chad Boudreaux on Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality What does it take to lead when the stakes could not be higher? In this compelling episode, I speak with Chad Boudreaux about leadership, national security, resilience, public service, and navigating extraordinary responsibility. Chad’s remarkable career includes serving in several high-ranking positions at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he was hired the night before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He later served in as Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, advising Secretary Michael Chertoff on significant matters confronting the newly established department. Chad went on to become Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, bringing together an extraordinary breadth of government, legal, and corporate experience. In this episode, we discuss service, courage, decision-making, resilience, and the experiences that shape the stories we tell. Learn more about Chad Boudreaux:Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/chadboudreauxWebsite: https://www.chadboudreaux.com/about/ Follow the podcast, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. After listening, share the moment that made the greatest impression on you. #ChadBoudreaux #PodcastGuest #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #LacedWithMorality #SuspenseWithSubstance #Leadership #NationalSecurity #HomelandSecurity #DepartmentOfJustice #ExecutiveLeadership #LegalLeadership #PublicService #Resilience #CourageousLeadership #AuthorPodcast #PodcastInterview #MustListenPodcast

    Chad Boudreaux—National Security & What is Takes to Lead When The Stakes are High
  2. Aug 23

    Lauren Johnson— Author of The Soufflé Always Rises Discusses The Grit, Glory & Grind of Cozy Mystery Writing

    What happens when a 54-year-old woman loses her marriage, her job, and nearly everything she owns—and decides to start over in Paris? In this episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes welcomes debut author Lauren Johnson, author of The Soufflé Also Rises, a hilarious and fast-paced midlife reinvention mystery. Lizi Cleverly is broke, unemployed, and determined to pursue her long-forgotten dream of becoming a novelist. But when she lands in Paris, an unexpected hotel stay puts her in the middle of the notorious Harry Winston jewel heist. Soon, Lizi and her much younger friend Frankie are running from the Serbian mafia while trying to stay ahead of a trail of dead bodies. Lauren talks about midlife reinvention, second chances, fearless women, humor, mystery, friendship, and why it's never too late to become the person you're meant to be. If you love witty mysteries, unforgettable women sleuths, Parisian adventures, and a healthy dose of mayhem, this is an episode you won't want to miss! The Soufflé Also Rises by Lauren JohnsonBook 1 of the Lizi Cleverly Midlife Badass Detective Series Buy *The Soufflé Also Rises* on Amazon Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality features fascinating authors, compelling mysteries, unforgettable characters, and the moral questions hiding beneath the mayhem. Because sometimes the best stories don't just entertain us—they make us think. Listen. Subscribe. Share. And join the conversation! #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #LacedWithMorality #LaurenJohnson #TheSouffleAlsoRises #LiziCleverly #MidlifeBadass #MidlifeReinvention #MysteryFiction #WomenSleuths #MysteryAuthor #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #BookLovers #ParisFiction #WomensFiction #SecondChances #NeverTooLate #BookRecommendations Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality: Lauren Johnson📖 Get Lauren's Book🎧 About the Podcast

    Lauren Johnson— Author of The Soufflé Always Rises Discusses The Grit, Glory & Grind of Cozy Mystery Writing
  3. Aug 16

    Annette Griffin & Franella Smith—Who Is Hunting Whom? — The God Hunter and the Search That Changes Everything

    Who Is Hunting Whom? — The God Hunter and the Search That Changes Everything🎙️ What happens when a grieving child goes searching for God—only to discover that God was never lost in the first place? In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes sits down with award-winning authors Annette Marie Griffin and Franella Smith, co-authors of The God Hunter, an adventurous story about Simi, a young boy in Kenya who sets out on a courageous quest after losing his father. As Simi searches for answers, he encounters danger, friendship, wonder, and unexpected discoveries that challenge everything he thought he knew about God. But his greatest discovery may be the most profound: sometimes the One we're searching for has been searching for us all along. Join us as we explore the inspiration behind The God Hunter, the role of grief in children's stories, the importance of faith and representation, and how powerful storytelling can help young readers navigate life's biggest questions. ✨ In this episode, we talk about: The inspiration behind The God Hunter Simi's journey through grief and loss Why the story is set in Kenya Writing meaningful faith-based stories for children Courage, friendship, and finding hope The difference between searching for God and discovering that God has been present all along The power of collaboration between two authors How stories can open meaningful conversations between children, parents, and families Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author, acquisitions editor, columnist, writing instructor, and speaker who creates timeless stories designed to help readers find home. Franella Smith holds an MFA from Southern New Hampshire University and is an award-winning writer as well as a registered and licensed dietitian with more than 20 years of professional experience. 🎧 Listen, share, and join the conversation: What happens when we stop searching for God long enough to recognize that He has been with us all along? The answer might surprise you.

    Annette Griffin & Franella Smith—Who Is Hunting Whom? — The God Hunter and the Search That Changes Everything
  4. Aug 9

    Avellina Balestri: Where Faith, History, Mystery & Storytelling Collide

    What happens when faith, history, literature, music, and a love of the mysterious come together in one remarkable storyteller? In this episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes welcomes Avellina Balestri, a Catholic author, editor, historian, speaker, and musician whose creative work spans historical fiction, poetry, essays, literary scholarship, and music. Avellina takes us on a fascinating journey through the stories and traditions that have shaped her imagination—from the Middle Ages and British history to Early America, the Long 18th Century, and Middle Eastern culture. We’ll explore her novels Saplings of Sherwood and All Ye That Pass By, her poetry collections Pendragon’s Shield and Torn by Grace, and her work as Editor-in-Chief of Fellowship & Fairydust. But there is much more to Avellina's story. She has participated in literary and interfaith conferences at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, hosted a Tolkien-themed literary conference at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and contributed to more than forty publications. She is also a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who plays penny whistle, bodhrán drum, and autoharp and has performed with the Celtic band Across the Pond. Join us for a conversation about faith and fiction, history and imagination, the sacred feminine, literature, music, morality, and the stories that stay with us long after the final page. Could the past hold clues for how we understand the present? Can stories illuminate truth? And what happens when a love of history meets a deeply rooted faith? Press play and discover the fascinating world of Avellina Balestri. 🌐 Learn more about Avellina: avellinabalestri.com Murder. Mystery. Mayhem. Morality. And the stories behind the stories. #AvellinaBalestri #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #LacedWithMorality #ChristianAuthors #CatholicAuthors #HistoricalFiction #FaithAndFiction #ChristianPodcast #LiteraryPodcast #CatholicLiterature #HistoricalFictionAuthor #FaithBasedStories #WomenWriters #ChristianWriting #Storytelling #HistoryAndFaith #DressedInLovePress

    Avellina Balestri: Where Faith, History, Mystery & Storytelling Collide
  5. Jul 26

    Erik D'Souza—Faith, Fiction & Fatal Secrets: From Publisher to Mystery Author

    🎙️ Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality welcomes Erik D’Souza! This week, we’re heading to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, to sit down with author, publisher, podcast host, and literary community leader Erik D’Souza. As the co-owner of Timbercrest Publishing, Erik has dedicated his career to helping writers succeed while crafting compelling mysteries of his own. His acclaimed Suzanne Rickson Mystery Series introduces readers to Suzanne Rickson—a brilliant amateur sleuth, devoted grandmother, and woman of faith whose investigations are often guided by conversations with her trusted priest, Father O’Brian. His debut in the series, Death in Halfmoon Bay, has captivated readers who enjoy traditional mysteries with heart, suspense, and unforgettable characters.  Beyond writing, Erik serves as the social media and podcast host for Crime Writers of Canada, a national organization supporting Canadian mystery and crime writers. He is also president of the Tri-City Wordsmiths and hosts the popular Writers in Our Midst reading series, encouraging creativity and collaboration throughout the Vancouver writing community.  Join us as we discuss: Writing compelling traditional mysteriesCreating memorable amateur sleuthsBuilding a thriving writing communityPublishing and supporting fellow authorsFaith, storytelling, and the creative lifeLearn more about Erik and his books: ErikD'Souza.com⁠Timbercrest Publishing⁠

    Erik D'Souza—Faith, Fiction & Fatal Secrets: From Publisher to Mystery Author
  6. Jul 19

    Colin Brush—Author of EXO Explores the Boundaries of Sci-Fi & Speculative Fiction

    What happens when Earth itself becomes the greatest mystery of all? This week on Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes sits down with Colin Brush, author of the gripping science fiction thriller EXO. Combining the intricate intrigue of a spy novel with breathtaking speculative fiction, EXO introduces readers to a future where humanity has abandoned Earth—and where the planet’s oceans have transformed into a mysterious, sentient force known as the Caul. Together, Katherine and Colin explore: The inspiration behind EXO and its unforgettable world-building.How mystery, science fiction, and suspense intersect to tell deeply human stories.The challenges of creating morally complex characters and impossible choices.Colin’s remarkable publishing journey—from writing jacket copy for more than 5,000 books to publishing his own debut novel.Why curiosity, imagination, and hope remain at the heart of great storytelling.Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, thrillers, mysteries, or stories that ask profound questions about humanity’s future, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Subscribe, listen, and discover why EXO is already generating excitement among fans of intelligent speculative fiction. Contact Colin: https://www.colinthecopywriter.com/about #MurderMysteryMayhem #ColinBrush #EXO #ScienceFiction #SciFiMystery #SpeculativeFiction #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #ChristianPodcaster #BookLovers #ThrillerBooks #MysteryReaders #WritingCommunity #ReadersOfInstagram #PodcastRecommendation

    Colin Brush—Author of EXO Explores the Boundaries of Sci-Fi & Speculative Fiction
  7. Jul 12

    🎙️ JOHN WINN- MILLER — From the Front Lines to the Front of the Mic!

    What do wars, Pulitzer Prize-winninginvestigations, presidential elections, Hollywood screenplays, independentfilms, publishing, entrepreneurship, and faith have in common? John Winn-Miller. On this powerful episode of Murder,Mystery, and Mayhem Laced with Morality, we sit down with one of the mostaccomplished storytellers of our time. As an award-winning investigativereporter, foreign correspondent, newspaper publisher, screenwriter, filmmaker,entrepreneur, music producer, and educator, John has spent decades uncoveringtruth in some of the world’s most dangerous and fascinating places. From reporting on wars in the MiddleEast and Africa, covering the hijacking of the Achille Lauro,traveling with Pope John Paul II, and helping lead Pulitzer Prize-finalistinvestigative journalism, to producing feature films and mentoring the nextgeneration of journalists, John’s extraordinary journey is filled with lessonson courage, perseverance, integrity, and purpose. ✨ In this episode, John shares:🔎 The biggest lessons from a lifetimeof investigative journalism🌍 Stories from covering history as itunfolded around the world🎬 His transition from journalism toscreenwriting and film production💡 The mindset behind sustained successacross multiple careers❤️ Why integrity and faith continue to guide every chapter ofhis life Whether you’re a writer, journalist,entrepreneur, creative, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this is anepisode you won’t want to miss. Stay in touch with John…https://www.johnwinnmiller.com/ 🎧 Tune in to discover why John Winn-Miller continuesto inspire generations of storytellers—and how you can apply his timelessprinciples to your own life and calling. #JohnWinnMiller#MurderMysteryAndMayhem #PodcastGuest #InvestigativeJournalism #Storytelling#ForeignCorrespondent #Pulitzer #Screenwriter #FilmProducer #Leadership#SuccessMindset #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndWork #PurposeDrivenLife #Journalism#AuthorInterview #PodcastLife #WritersCommunity #Inspiration#DressedInLovePress

    🎙️ JOHN WINN- MILLER — From the Front Lines to the Front of the Mic!
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About

Murder, Mystery, & Mayhem Laced with Morality is a gripping learning and networking hub for writers who dare to explore the shadows—without losing sight of the light. Rooted in suspense, thriller, mystery, and crime, this podcast features powerful conversations with authors, publishing professionals, and experts in law enforcement, psychology, forensics, editing, marketing, and storytelling craft. Each episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to write stories that are authentic, compelling, and unforgettable. Whether you’re crafting a high-stakes thriller, a redemptive romance, a memoir born from lived experience, or faith-based nonfiction, you’ll gain practical insight on character development, research, storytelling structure, and navigating the publishing journey—where truth matters, justice has a voice, and light pierces through the darkness with the spoken and written word.

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