Plot Twist Radio

Erin Egnatz

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. Oct 14

    CBS 48 Hours' Erin Moriarty: True Crime, Wrongful Convictions & the Cases That Haunt Her | Plot Twist Radio

    What happens when the pursuit of justice becomes personal? For more than 40 years, Erin Moriarty has been one of the most recognizable voices in investigative journalism, reporting for CBS News and spending decades uncovering the truth behind some of America's most compelling criminal cases on 48 Hours. In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin joins host Erin Egnatz for a revealing conversation about the stories that have defined her career, the wrongful convictions that continue to trouble her, and the emotional weight of telling stories about unimaginable loss. From her unexpected transition from practicing law to television journalism to her decades-long pursuit of justice, Moriarty shares what viewers rarely see behind the scenes of 48 Hours. Together, they explore: The Austin Yogurt Shop Murders: How decades of unanswered questions, disputed convictions, and advances in forensic science reshaped one of Texas's most haunting murder investigations. The Crosley Green Case: Why Moriarty remains deeply troubled by the conviction of a Florida man who has spent decades behind bars, and what his case reveals about the American justice system. Ryan Ferguson's Wrongful Conviction: How persistent investigative reporting and newly uncovered evidence helped change the course of a young man's life. Behind the Scenes of CBS 48 Hours: The extensive research, difficult interviews, and extraordinary responsibility involved in reporting on real victims and their families. The Emotional Cost of True Crime: How covering murder, grief, and injustice for decades affects even the most experienced journalists. A Career-Changing Plot Twist: How a young female attorney facing discrimination in the legal profession unexpectedly discovered her passion for storytelling. Moriarty also reflects on the interviews she will never forget, the families whose grief stays with her, and why she continues fighting for answers even when the justice system appears to have closed the door. This isn't simply a conversation about true crime. It's about the people behind the headlines, the pursuit of truth, and what happens when justice doesn't prevail. 🎙️ Listen to Plot Twist Radio for an intimate conversation with one of America's most respected investigative journalists. Topics: Erin Moriarty, CBS 48 Hours, true crime, investigative journalism, wrongful convictions, Crosley Green, Ryan Ferguson, Austin Yogurt Shop Murders, criminal justice, forensic science, CBS News, unsolved murders.

  2. Oct 13

    D.A. Murray on Dominion: Dystopian Fiction, Women in Power & the Future of Society | Plot Twist Radio

    What happens when the world as we know it collapses, technology reshapes society, and women become the architects of a new civilization? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz welcomes debut novelist and tech executive D.A. Murray, author of the dystopian science fiction novel Dominion, for a fascinating conversation about power, technology, female leadership, and the art of storytelling. Set approximately 30 years in the future, Dominion imagines a postwar society where widespread male infertility and cognitive impairment have transformed the balance of power. Women have assumed leadership, and a new nation has emerged. But beneath its carefully constructed society lie secrets waiting to be uncovered. Through the eyes of investigative journalist Danny Matthews, readers enter a world of political intrigue, family secrets, complicated relationships, and questions about who holds power and what they're willing to do to keep it. In this episode, we explore: The inspiration behind Dominion and its thought-provoking vision of the future Women in leadership, corporate America, and the complexities of power How technology influences society and human relationships Creating emotionally compelling characters in dystopian fiction The difference between outlining a novel and letting characters evolve naturally Overcoming writer's block and finding inspiration Balancing a demanding executive career with writing a book What readers can expect from the next installment of the Dominion trilogy D.A. also shares her creative process, including her detailed approach to world-building, her early-morning writing sessions, and the challenges of bringing an ambitious science fiction trilogy to life. Whether you're a fan of dystopian novels, an aspiring author, or simply fascinated by the intersection of technology, politics, and human nature, this conversation offers a compelling look at storytelling and the possibilities of our future. Connect with D.A. Murray: Website: https://damurrayofficial.com Instagram & TikTok: @DAMurrayOfficial Discover Dominion and download the official book club kit, complete with discussion questions, themed recipes, games, and more, through her website. About Plot Twist Radio: Hosted by Erin Egnatz, Plot Twist Radio explores the unexpected moments, creative journeys, and life-changing decisions that shape extraordinary stories. From authors and entertainers to fascinating personalities across industries, every episode proves that the best stories are rarely written in a straight line. Subscribe, follow, and share for more conversations about creativity, resilience, storytelling, and life's unexpected plot twists. #PlotTwistRadio #DAMurray #Dominion #DystopianFiction #ScienceFiction #WomenInPower #AuthorInterview #SpeculativeFiction #WritingCommunity #BookPodcast

  3. Oct 10

    Princess Diana, Prince Harry & George Michael: Inside Kensington Palace with Victoria Arbiter

    What was Princess Diana really like behind palace walls? What happens when a young Prince Harry, a starstruck teenager, and George Michael cross paths at Kensington Palace? In this unforgettable episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz welcomes royal commentator, broadcaster, and author Victoria Arbiter for a fascinating conversation about growing up surrounded by British royalty, her extraordinary encounters with Princess Diana, and the unexpected career twists that led her to become a familiar face in royal news coverage. As the daughter of a former Buckingham Palace press secretary, Victoria spent part of her childhood living on the grounds of Kensington Palace, witnessing royal life from a perspective few people ever experience. Victoria shares an incredible personal story about Princess Diana encouraging her to introduce herself to music legend George Michael at a private palace reception, with a young Prince Harry adding some unforgettable childhood humor to the occasion. She also recalls watching Prince William deliver his first speech and witnessing Diana's genuine pride in her sons. But Victoria's own story is filled with unexpected turns. From dreaming of becoming a professional ballet dancer to studying acting in New York City, appearing on Oprah as one of America's worst cooks, and eventually joining CBS News to cover Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding, Victoria's journey proves that sometimes the most extraordinary opportunities arrive when we least expect them. In this episode, we explore: Growing up on the grounds of Kensington Palace and experiencing royal life firsthand Personal memories of Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry The hilarious story of meeting George Michael at Diana's Christmas reception What Princess Diana was really like away from the cameras How a ballet injury changed Victoria's career ambitions Moving to New York City and discovering an unexpected passion for broadcasting The surprising connection between Oprah, a cooking show, and CBS News Behind-the-scenes memories of covering William and Kate's 2011 royal wedding Building a successful career independently of her family's royal connections Victoria's book, Queen Elizabeth II: An Icon of Modern Monarchy Why embracing life's unexpected plot twists can lead to extraordinary opportunities From Buckingham Palace to Broadway dreams and international television, Victoria's story is a remarkable reminder that life's greatest adventures rarely follow the original plan. Whether you're fascinated by Princess Diana, British royal family history, George Michael, or inspiring stories of reinvention, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Subscribe to Plot Twist Radio for more candid conversations with fascinating people about the unexpected moments that changed everything. #PlotTwistRadio #VictoriaArbiter #PrincessDiana #PrinceHarry #PrinceWilliam #GeorgeMichael #KensingtonPalace #RoyalFamily #BritishRoyalFamily #QueenElizabethII #RoyalHistory #CBSNews

  4. Oct 10

    Lizzie Post: Emily Post’s Legacy, Modern Manners & "Higher" Etiquette

    What happens when the great-great-granddaughter of America's most famous etiquette expert takes on modern manners, wedding drama, and even cannabis culture? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin Egnatz welcomes Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute, bestselling etiquette author, and host of Awesome Etiquette and Emily Post Wedding Stories, for a fascinating and refreshingly candid conversation about tradition, authenticity, and the evolution of social expectations. Growing up in the legendary Emily Post family didn't necessarily mean a childhood of perfect manners. Lizzie shares a hilariously uncomfortable childhood experience involving pizza, an unexpected family tradition, and the pressure of carrying a famous name. Together, Erin and Lizzie explore how etiquette has evolved since Emily Post published her groundbreaking book in 1922, why genuine kindness matters more than rigid rules, and whether being too polite can actually become a problem. The conversation also takes an unexpected turn into the world of weddings. Lizzie discusses how painful personal experiences initially made her reluctant to write about wedding etiquette, until interviewing 40 married couples completely transformed her perspective and inspired a new podcast. And then there's Higher Etiquette, Lizzie's groundbreaking book exploring cannabis culture through the lens of modern manners. From puff-puff-pass etiquette and cannabis at weddings to challenging outdated stereotypes about marijuana users, Lizzie explains why respectful behavior matters even when the social rules are still being written. In this episode, discover: What it's really like growing up in the Emily Post family How etiquette has changed over the last century Why authenticity matters more than simply appearing polite The challenges of reinventing the Emily Post books for modern readers How wedding drama inspired a surprising change of heart The unexpected intersection of cannabis legalization and etiquette Why Higher Etiquette challenges traditional perceptions of cannabis culture Whether you're fascinated by American cultural history, curious about modern social expectations, planning a wedding, or simply wondering whether there's a polite way to pass a joint, this conversation proves that good manners aren't about perfection. They're about respect, consideration, and human connection. Connect with Lizzie Post: Website: https://emilypost.com Podcasts: Awesome Etiquette and Emily Post Wedding Stories Substack: https://emilypost.substack.com Follow Plot Twist Radio for conversations with fascinating guests whose unexpected journeys prove that life's greatest stories rarely follow the script. #LizziePost #EmilyPost #ModernEtiquette #HigherEtiquette #CannabisEtiquette #PlotTwistRadio #PodcastInterview #WeddingEtiquette

  5. Oct 4

    The House That Writes the Books: Sharon Virts on Murder, History & the Secrets Hidden in Her Home

    What happens when the history surrounding your own home becomes stranger than fiction? On this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with award-winning historical fiction author Sharon Virts, author of Mask of Honor, Bargains of Fate, and Veil of Doubt, for a fascinating conversation about the real people, forgotten scandals, murder trials, and historic properties that have inspired her novels. Sharon shares how restoring an 1810 Virginia mansion unexpectedly launched her writing career and led her deep into the lives of the people who inhabited her community more than two centuries ago. What began as research into the history of her home eventually uncovered extraordinary personal connections, including an ancestor who served under one of the historical figures in her novels. Then the rabbit hole got even deeper. While researching an 1872 murder trial, Sharon traced one of the attorneys involved in the case and discovered that his daughter had lived for decades in Sharon’s own house and had even died in the bedroom Sharon now occupies. That discovery ultimately helped inspire Veil of Doubt. Sharon and Erin also dig into the craft of writing historical fiction, including how much an author can change while remaining faithful to history, blending real and fictional characters, keeping research from overwhelming the story, and creating flawed protagonists readers can still love. Sharon also reveals her unusual writing process involving timelines, color-coded Post-it notes, major plot points, and just enough “pantsing” to allow unexpected characters to take over the story. Plus, they discuss Mask of Honor and Bargains of Fate, the real history behind Jack McCarty and Armistead Mason, dueling in early America, the War of 1812, historic preservation, and Sharon’s upcoming third installment, Swamp of Lies. For history lovers, historical fiction readers, writers, and anyone fascinated by the secrets old houses leave behind, this episode proves that sometimes the best stories aren't invented. They're waiting to be uncovered. Topics include: Sharon Virts, historical fiction, Mask of Honor, Bargains of Fate, Veil of Doubt, Swamp of Lies, historic homes, Virginia history, War of 1812, American history, historical research, writing historical fiction, murder trials, historic preservation, writing process, and real stories behind historical novels.

  6. Oct 3

    Daniel Mark Grace: Reimagining Judas, Pontius Pilate & History’s Greatest Crime

    What if two of history’s most infamous figures were never given the chance to tell their side of the story? On this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with Daniel Grace, winemaker, author, and storyteller based in Tuscany, to explore his provocative reimagining of Judas Iscariot and Pontius Pilate through the lens of crime, punishment, fate, and redemption. Daniel discusses the surprising lack of historical detail surrounding two men whose names have endured for more than 2,000 years, and what inspired him to transform their story into a modern crime novel. Together, Erin and Daniel examine how history turns complicated human beings into heroes and villains, whether Judas and Pilate have been reduced to two-dimensional characters, and what happens when a writer gives history’s condemned figures humanity, motivation, and a second chance. The conversation moves from biblical history and the Crucifixion to mythology, capital punishment, The Last Temptation of Christ, Waiting for Godot, faith, free will, and the eternal question at the heart of every great story: Is anyone simply a hero or a villain? Plus, Daniel shares how a career spanning advertising, winemaking in Tuscany, and writing is connected by one thing: the power of storytelling. A fascinating conversation about Judas Iscariot, Pontius Pilate, Christianity, historical fiction, crime fiction, mythology, faith, redemption, and the stories we inherit without questioning them.

  7. Sep 26

    Paul Granger: 12 Books in 12 Months, Faith, Creativity & Trusting God Through the Unknown

    What happens when faith asks you to step into the unknown without knowing exactly how things will work out? On this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with author, podcaster, and ministry leader Paul Granger for a conversation about faith, creativity, uncertainty, and learning to trust the process. Paul shares how losing his job in 2018 led him into full-time, support-based ministry and a life that looks very different from the traditional path. He opens up about navigating financial uncertainty, resisting fear, and what it has meant to build his life around creating authentic spaces where people can wrestle with the difficult questions of life. He also tells the remarkable story behind his 2025 challenge to publish 12 books in 12 months, a goal that ultimately resulted in 17 releases when several translations were added to the mix. From faith-based reflections and a zombie story to Missing Chloe, a deeply personal family project inspired by the disappearance of his beloved cat, Paul's work explores grief, hope, creativity, and what it means to walk alongside people in life's messiest moments. Plus, Paul introduces Something in the Froth, a creative project inspired by the unexpected images he discovers in coffee foam, and explains why he believes creativity isn't reserved for artists. It's something within all of us. Paul is also the host of the Where Did You See God? podcast, where he creates space for honest conversations about faith, doubt, life, and the questions that don't always come with easy answers. 🎙️ In this episode:• Paul's unconventional journey into ministry• Losing his job and learning to trust through financial uncertainty• The story behind publishing 12 books in 12 months• Writing through grief and the story of Missing Chloe• Faith, doubt, and conversations across different beliefs• Why creativity belongs to everyone• Something in the Froth and finding possibility in life's messes• The mission behind Where Did You See God? Listen now for a thoughtful conversation about what can happen when we stop demanding certainty and start making space for faith, creativity, and the unexpected.

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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.