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. Maria Galluci—Author of Raised in Silence Discusses Advocacy, Faith & Service

    5d ago

    Maria Galluci—Author of Raised in Silence Discusses Advocacy, Faith & Service

    Maria Gallucci—award-winning REALTOR®, best-selling author, CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), and passionate advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Maria’s incredible journey began when, as a child, she interpreted for her Deaf parents, even helping them purchase their first home at just 12 years old. That life-changing experience inspired a remarkable career spanning more than 30 years, during which she has become one of the nation’s top REALTORS®, a champion for accessibility, and the founder of organizations dedicated to connecting Deaf clients with ASL-fluent real estate professionals. She is also the author of Raised in Silence, a profound true story of her childhood. In this inspiring episode, we’ll discuss:🏡 Breaking barriers in real estate🤟 The importance of communication and inclusion❤️ Serving others with purpose📖 Her powerful memoir, Raised in Silence✨ How one person’s willingness to “Just Try” can change lives forever This conversation proves that the greatest stories aren’t always about solving mysteries—they’re about overcoming obstacles, serving others, and living with courage and compassion. 🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. Stay connected with Maria: https://galluccihomes.com/about 👉 Follow, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who believes in making a difference through kindness, communication, and perseverance. #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #MariaGallucci #Podcast #NewEpisode #AuthorInterview #RealEstate #CompassRealEstate #AwardWinningRealtor #ASL #AmericanSignLanguage #CODA #DeafCommunity #HardOfHearing #Accessibility #InclusionMatters #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #BestSellingAuthor #RaisedInSilence #ChristianPodcast #PurposeDrivenLife #StoryMatters #DressedInLovePress #SundayPodcast #ListenNow

    31 min
  2. Lindsey Kent – My Twin the Murderer: When the Person You Fear Most Shares Your Face

    Jun 21

    Lindsey Kent – My Twin the Murderer: When the Person You Fear Most Shares Your Face

    In this thrilling episode of Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem Laced with Morality, host Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes welcomes debut thriller author Lindsay Kent to discuss her mind-bending psychological suspense novel, My Twin the Murderer. What happens when identical DNA becomes the perfect alibi—or the perfect accusation? Lindsay takes listeners behind the scenes of her gripping debut thriller, where neuroscientist Evelyn Malcolm finds herself accused of murder alongside her estranged twin sister. As memories clash, secrets emerge, and reality itself comes into question, readers are left asking one chilling question: What if the real monster wears your face?   During this fascinating conversation, Lindsay shares her journey from award-winning filmmaker to novelist, her fascination with consciousness and human behavior, and how her experiences exploring psychology, storytelling, and altered states of awareness influenced the creation of this unforgettable thriller. Listeners will discover the inspiration behind the twins, the moral questions woven throughout the story, and why truth can be far more dangerous than fiction.   If you love psychological thrillers, complex family dynamics, shocking twists, and stories that explore the thin line between reality and deception, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 📚 Featured Book: My Twin the Murderer🎙️ Featured Guest: Lindsay Kent🔍 Topics: Psychological Thrillers, Identity, Twins, Memory, Morality, Suspense, Consciousness, Family Secrets, and the Search for Truth Learn more about Lindsay Kent at: The Hallucinarrator⁠ Two Sisters. One Murder. One Shocking Truth. A Conversation About Identity, Memory, Family Secrets, and the Darkness Hidden Within Us All. Listen Wherever You Get Your Podcasts 🎙️ #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #LindsayKent #MyTwinTheMurderer #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerAuthor #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #MysteryBooks #SuspenseReads #CrimeFiction #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #PodcastLife #NewRelease #ChristianPodcaster #BooksAndAuthors #Storytelling #WritersLife #SuspenseBooks #MysteryLovers

    49 min
  3. Carol Snow & The Girl on the Beach—From Heartfelt Fiction to Psychological Thrills

    Jun 14

    Carol Snow & The Girl on the Beach—From Heartfelt Fiction to Psychological Thrills

    What happens when an acclaimed author of contemporary fiction and young adult literature turns her attention to psychological suspense? Join host Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes on Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality as she welcomes bestselling author Carol Snow—https://www.carolsnow.com/. From her early days as a freelance writer and editor to publishing beloved novels with Berkley/Penguin, Carol has captivated readers with stories filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable characters. In this fascinating conversation, Carol shares her journey from writing contemporary fiction and award-recognized young adult novels to crafting her newest release, The Girl on the Beach, a gripping psychological thriller set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline. Together, they discuss the art of storytelling, creating compelling characters, the transition between genres, and the inspiration behind Carol’s latest suspense-filled novel. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or thriller enthusiast, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one author’s remarkable literary journey. 📚 Contemporary Fiction🌊 Psychological Suspense✍️ Writing and Publishing Insights🎙️ Behind-the-Scenes Author Conversation🔍 Mystery, Secrets, and Storytelling Tune in for an engaging discussion about books, creativity, and the stories that stay with us long after the final page. #CarolSnow #TheGirlOnTheBeach #PsychologicalThriller #AuthorInterview #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #PodcastLife #BookPodcast #WritersLife #ThrillerBooks #SuspenseReads #ContemporaryFiction #YoungAdultBooks #BookLovers #ReadersOfInstagram #AmReading #WritingCommunity #AuthorSpotlight #Bookstagram #Storytelling #MysteryAndMayhem #DressedInLovePress #KatherineHutchinsonHayes #NewPodcastEpisode #BeachReads #SummerThriller #BooksAndAuthors #WriterInterview #LiteraryPodcast #MustReadBooks #PodcastRecommendations

    44 min
  4. Chuck Richardson—Exploring Truth, Redemption, and "What If?" Through Fiction

    Jun 7

    Chuck Richardson—Exploring Truth, Redemption, and "What If?" Through Fiction

    🎙️ Chuck Richardson: What If Humanity Never Fell? Exploring Faith, Redemption, and Alternate Realities Through Christian Speculative Fiction What if Adam and Eve had never sinned? What would humanity look like if the Fall had never occurred? How can speculative fiction help us better understand God’s plan, redemption, and our relationship with Him? In this fascinating episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes sits down with award-winning Christian speculative fiction author Chuck Richardson for an engaging conversation about faith, imagination, theology, and storytelling. Chuck Richardson writes speculative fiction with a Christian worldview for readers who question everything and seek truth. His novels tackle some of life’s most profound questions, inviting readers to examine sin, redemption, sanctification, spiritual warfare, and the eternal struggle between good and evil through the lens of compelling stories. A former engineer, educator, consultant, technical writer, curriculum developer, and lifelong Bible teacher, Chuck brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and spiritual insight to his writing. His debut novel, True Status, was recognized as a finalist in the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The novel explores a future world where identity, truth, and purpose are challenged in ways that force readers to consider what truly defines human worth. His second novel, Paradise Unfallen, takes readers on an extraordinary journey by imagining a world in which humanity’s first parents never chose disobedience. The result is a thought-provoking exploration of God’s original design, free will, human nature, and the consequences of our choices. During this episode, Chuck shares: ✨ How his Christian faith shapes every aspect of his storytelling 📚 The inspiration behind True Status and Paradise Unfallen 🙏 Why understanding what God thinks about us is the most important truth we can learn ⚔️ How fiction can illuminate spiritual warfare and the battle between good and evil 🖋️ His transition from engineering and technical writing to an award-winning novelist 🎓 Lessons learned from decades of teaching, training, and mentoring adults 📖 His service as an elder, deacon, Bible teacher, and Christian leader for more than thirty-five years 💡 Why asking “What If?” can lead to deeper spiritual understanding Born and raised in Rome, New York, Chuck earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Education before building successful careers in engineering, consulting, quality management, training, and curriculum development. Today, he resides in Louisville, Kentucky, with Ruby, his wife of more than thirty-seven years. Together they have two daughters, Brittany and Jillian. Whether you’re a reader of Christian fiction, a lover of speculative fiction, a writer seeking inspiration, or someone wrestling with life’s biggest spiritual questions, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on faith and storytelling. 🔗 Learn more about Chuck Richardson and his books:https://chuckrichardsonstories.com/true-status-is-about/ 🎙️ Subscribe to Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality for more conversations with authors, storytellers, and thought leaders whose work entertains, inspires, and points readers toward truth. #ChuckRichardson#MurderMysteryAndMayhem#LacedWithMorality#ChristianAuthor#ChristianFiction#SpeculativeFiction#ChristianSpeculativeFiction#ParadiseUnfallen#TrueStatus#ChristianBooks#FaithAndFiction#BiblicalWorldview#ChristianLiving#ChristianPodcast#AuthorInterview#BookPodcast#KingdomWriters#ChristianWriters#FaithBasedStories#GoodVsEvil#Redemption#Sanctification#SpiritualGrowth#ChristianReaders#BookLovers#WritingCommunity#AuthorSpotlight#Storytelling#FaithMatters#PodcastL

    37 min
  5. Helena Smrcek—From Story-time Memories to A K-9 Mountain Promise

    May 31

    Helena Smrcek—From Story-time Memories to A K-9 Mountain Promise

    What begins with a grandparent’s bedtime story can grow into a lifelong calling. In this inspiring episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, host Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes welcomes author Helena Smrcek for a conversation about storytelling, faith, suspense, and the transformative power of fiction. Helena shares how childhood evenings spent listening to her grandparents’ stories sparked her passion for writing and ultimately led her to create captivating novels filled with hope, heart, mystery, and inspiration. Together, we discuss her writing journey, the role mentors have played in her life, and why stories remain one of the most powerful ways to connect with others. We also take a special look at her upcoming release: 🐾 A K-9 Mountain Promise📅 Releasing June 30, 2026 Whether you’re a reader, writer, or lover of uplifting suspense, this episode offers encouragement, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. In This Episode: Helena’s journey from childhood storyteller to published authorThe influence of family and mentors on her writing careerCreating compelling romantic suspense and inspirational fictionThe importance of hope and morality in storytellingBehind-the-scenes insights into A K-9 Mountain PromiseAdvice for aspiring writersConnect with Helena Smrcek: 🌐 Website: www.helenasmrcek.com About the Book: A K-9 Mountain Promise releases on June 30, 2026, and promises readers an unforgettable blend of suspense, faith, courage, and heart. Subscribe & Follow If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality on Spotify and your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review and share this episode with fellow readers, writers, and mystery lovers! #HelenaSmrcek #AK9MountainPromise #MurderMysteryAndMayhemLacedWithMorality #AuthorInterview #RomanticSuspense #ChristianFiction #InspirationalFiction #Podcast #BookPodcast #Storytelling #FaithAndFiction #WritersLife #BookLovers

    40 min
  6. Terrance Niedziela Jr.— Epic Fantasy, Moral Choices, and the World of Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning

    May 25

    Terrance Niedziela Jr.— Epic Fantasy, Moral Choices, and the World of Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning

    What happens when epic fantasy collides with powerful questions of morality, courage, and destiny? In this electrifying episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, special guest author Terrance Niedziela Jr. steps into the spotlight to discuss his speculative fantasy novel, Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning. Join us as we explore the inspiration behind the world of Aras, the battle between fire and lightning, unforgettable characters, world-building, and the deeper moral themes woven throughout the story. Terrance shares insights into crafting immersive fantasy, balancing action with meaning, and why stories of light versus darkness still resonate so deeply with readers today. If you love epic fantasy, powerful adventures, dragons, elemental magic, and stories with heart, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. ⚡ Epic fantasy⚔️ Moral dilemmas🐉 Dragons, danger, and destiny🎙️ Author insights and behind-the-scenes storytelling Learn more about Terrance Niedziela Jr. and his work here:https://terranceniedzielajr.com/ #TerranceNiedzielaJr #TalesOfAras #BecomingFireAndLightning #EpicFantasy #FantasyBooks #SpeculativeFantasy #AuthorInterview #FantasyAuthor #BookPodcast #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #FantasyReaders #Bookstagram #DragonFantasy #IndieAuthor #WritersLife #FantasyWorldBuilding #PodcastEpisode #BooksAndMagic #ChristianFantasy #AdventureFantasy

    34 min
  7. Ben Leman—Discusses His #1 Best-selling book Between The Tines

    May 10

    Ben Leman—Discusses His #1 Best-selling book Between The Tines

    What happens when rugged adventure, political insight, Scottish clan warfare, moral conflict, and suspenseful storytelling collide? Ben Leman dives into the inspirations behind his thrilling fiction, his deep Texas roots, and the real-world experiences that shape his storytelling. In this captivating episode, Ben shares how his lifelong fascination with Scottish Highland clan conflicts inspired his debut novel, Between the Tines, and how his travels through Scotland helped bring authenticity and emotional depth to the story. From the wilderness of Alaska to elk hunts in the mountain West, Ben’s adventurous spirit and passion for history fuel a narrative voice grounded in courage, legacy, and truth. Listeners will also hear how Ben’s years serving as a County Judge and State Representative in Texas sharpened the political insight, leadership themes, and moral complexity woven throughout his upcoming trilogy. This episode explores: The intersection of morality and suspenseScottish history and Highland clan warfareAdventure as inspiration for storytellingLeadership, legacy, and public serviceThe creative process behind Between the TinesWhy authentic locations matter in fictionHow real-life experience shapes unforgettable storiesIf you love gripping fiction, meaningful conversations, historical intrigue, and stories filled with heart, mystery, and purpose, this episode is for you. Ben Leman is a businessman, rancher, licensed pilot, and fourth-generation Texan whose appetite for adventure has carried him from the remote wilderness of Alaska to elk hunts in the mountain West and travels across the globe. Proud of his Scottish heritage, Ben spent years researching the fierce conflicts between Highland clans—research that became the foundation for his debut novel, Between the Tines. His dedication to authenticity led him to many of the real Scottish locations featured throughout the book. Ben also served the people of Texas as both a County Judge and State Representative, experiences that deeply informed the political and moral dimensions of his upcoming trilogy. 🌍 Website: Ben Leman Author Website📧 Email: ben@benlemanauthor.com📱 Phone: (979) 255-2004 📘 Facebook: @benlemanauthor📸 Instagram: @benlemanauthor❌ X/Twitter: @benlemanauthor 📚 About Ben Leman🌐 Connect with Ben Leman🔖 Hashtags#BenLeman #BetweenTheTines #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #LacedWithMorality #ScottishHeritage #HistoricalSuspense #AuthorPodcast #TexasAuthor #AdventureStories #FaithAndFiction #SuspenseBooks #MysteryPodcast #Storytelling #ScottishClans #ThrillerBooks

    35 min
5
out of 5
21 Ratings

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.