Inside Scoop Live!

ASPASIA
A peaceful mountain village in 1990s Crete. Katerina is an American who lives a tranquil life with her husband Dimitris and their daughter Aspasia. But when Dimitris leaves to work on a cargo ship, a terrible secret shatters Katerina’s world. Suddenly, life in the village turns claustrophobic, threatening both Aspasia’s safety and Katerina’s sanity.Drawing inspiration from Sophocles' timeless play Antigone, Aspasia is a gripping tale of two shocking crimes. The novel delves into the depths of a mother's love and the extraordinary lengths one woman will go to safeguard her child.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
The story and inspiration behind Aspasia – including Florence’s time in Crete, the “village secret,” and how another novel influenced her to give her character a different kind of ending.
The meaning of the name Aspasia – its personal, historical, and symbolic significance, and why she chose it for the book.
Katerina’s perspective as an outsider and a mother – her integration into village life, her strength and vulnerability, and how she reacts differently from the community.
Themes of secrets, silence, and power – including the role of Christos, how fear and routine shift after the secret is revealed, and the tension between what’s spoken and unspoken.
Florence’s writing journey – revisiting a book she began 30 years ago, the evolution of publishing/self-publishing, trigger warnings, and what projects she has coming up next.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Florence Wetzel was born in Brooklyn, NY. She writes in different genres, including the memoir Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard; the Swedish mystery The Grand Man; and Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson’s autobiography. Aspasia is her latest novel, published in July 2025. 
You can learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work at https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel
 

SWITCH
Mari Ellwyn and Derek Abernathy return to track a string of unsettling bank robberies. Their case takes a dark turn with the bizarre disappearance of a body from the local morgue, a mystery connected to the vanishing of the previous Medical Examiner, Dr. Camille Bota. Their investigation plunges them into the dangerous world of a multi-national organization involved in suspected fraud and fringe technology research. For Mari, the case ignites a personal quest, forcing her to confront the long-unresolved disappearance of her father, CIA operative Richard Ellwyn.The deeper she digs, the more Mari realizes that both she and her father are inextricably linked to their lifelong nemesis, the notorious international crime boss Jacques Martel. The missing body and the secrets surrounding Dr. Bota become entangled with her father's shadowy past and Martel's deadly machinations. In a high-stakes collision of family secrets and criminal enterprise, Mari must confront her father and their shared enemy before they both become casualties in Martel's lethal game.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
The Explosive Finale of Mari & Derek’s Journey – Why Switch brings the trilogy full circle.
Family, Betrayal, and a Deadly Nemesis – Mari’s reunion with her CIA father and showdown with Jacques Martel.
Heists, Missing Bodies & Quantum Secrets – The tangled web of crimes at the heart of Switch.
From Beverly Hills to Spy Gadgets – How real research and tech fuel the authenticity.
Behind the Curtain – Lisa’s writing process, shadowy power themes, and what’s coming next.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Towles is an Amazon bestselling, award-winning crime novelist and a passionate speaker on the topics of fiction writing, creativity, and self care. She has 13 crime thrillers in print with a new title, Switch, forthcoming in September 2025. The first two books in her E&A Investigations series, Hot House and Salt Island, were #1 Amazon Kindle bestsellers. She hosts an author interview series on YouTube called Story Impact. She has an MBA in IT Management and works full-time in the tech industry in the San Francisco Bay area.
Learn more at www.lisatowles.com or  linktr.ee/authortowles.

RED SHADOWS AT SAUGATUCK
Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo has inherited his “gift.”Now, they both can see ghosts.Upon his parents’ insistence, Darrell agrees to drive his young family 800 miles to celebrate his Aunt Gertrude’s 80th birthday. But, once in the resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.” Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen. Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and five-year-old son in danger?
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Red Shadows at Saugatuck and the Haunted Shores Mystery Series – Randy shares how the series grew from a single novel into four books, with this latest installment focusing on Darrell, Erin, and their young son returning to Michigan.
Family, Parenting, and Leo’s Gift – The story highlights family relationships and parenting dilemmas as Leo, a precocious five-year-old who also sees ghosts, propels his father into solving the mystery of a missing teen.
Setting and History in Saugatuck – The novel blends a richly detailed sense of place with the legend of the ghost town of Singapore, capturing the charm, beauty, and history of the Michigan lakeshore.
Social Issues and Authenticity – Randy discusses weaving in the real crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), informed by conversations with tribal elders to ensure cultural respect and accuracy.
Book Launch and What’s Ahead – He reflects on the warm reception at the Saugatuck launch, shares how each book in the series stands alone, and talks about possible future entries alongside other projects.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries,” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets and can be heard wherever listeners get their podcasts. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts and the world of book publishing with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S.
As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.
When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and the scenic locations around this country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.
 
CONNECT WITH DR. RANDY OVERBECK!
More info about his novels, programs and podcast can be found at his website www.authorrandyoverbeck.com
Email: randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeckTwitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/mediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy-overbeckAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck/e/B07QQHW7DMGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825632.Randy_Overbeck

Feathers and Flame: Poetry of Australian Landscapes and Personal Transformation
A heartfelt collection that intertwines the beauty of Australian wildlife, international locations and personal growth. It reveals emotional truths, inviting readers to explore the process of healing through nature.
Observing nature, especially how animals and birds interact and give unconditionally, provides moments of stillness, enabling deep gratitude and peace. 
Learn more about Kathryn (Kate) Carlisle and her work at https://kcarlisleauthor.com/
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Feathers and Flame and the Inspiration Behind the Collection – Kate shares how nature walks, personal memories, and her experience in the Australian Defence Force inspired this deeply reflective and healing body of work.
Writing as a Path to Healing – Through poetry and journaling, Kate explored grief, self-forgiveness, and emotional transformation, using stillness in nature to process past experiences and reconnect with herself.
Themes, Style, and Visuals – The collection blends short poems, longer reflections, and full-color landscape photography to create a layered, sensory storytelling experience grounded in emotion and place.
Author Readings: “Mirror Me” and “Storm” – Kate reads two poems aloud, one reflecting on self-acceptance (Mirror Me), and another capturing the destructive and renewing force of nature (Storm).
What’s Next for Kate – She’s continuing to write, including poems from the perspective of animals, and is considering turning Feathers and Flame into an audiobook.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Carlisle spent her early years in various regions of Australia, sometimes in a double-decker bus and a caravan, travelling across New South Wales, South Australia, north Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. During the family's travels, Kate learned to write by listing all the creeks and rivers they crossed in a notebook. This unique background, filled with diverse landscapes and experiences, shaped her experiences and writing. It instilled a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of adaptability that would later help her heal.
Kate served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for almost 39 years. At 16, she joined the Royal Australian Navy as an apprentice Electronics Technician, her formative year. After 10 years, she transitioned to the Royal Australian Air Force, serving nationally and overseas, separating in March 2023. Throughout her career, Kate found solace in writing, using it to express herself. She wrote about her experiences in the ADF, the challenges she faced, and the moments of triumph. Her writing served as a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others who might be going through similar experiences.
As a veteran, Kate completed the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills program, which helps build confidence and resilience in people experiencing health and wellbeing challenges related to service in the ADF. Kate found joy and an unlimited opportunity for healing through creative writing, and combined this with her love for nature and the outdoors. When at home, Kate spends time in the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve, a space that Kate loves and uses to connect and experience the profound healing power of nature.    
CONNECT WITH KATE CARLISLE
Website:  https://kcarlisleauthor.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.carlisle.148LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/kate-c-40702b9aInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate1_carlisle?igsh=MThnZmVtbzR5M2llaw==
 
 

THE PHILLY PHENOMS
Ten-year-old Lee Lomax is trying to scratch a severe golf itch. Like many kids, Lee idolizes his dad, Sam, a talented golfer who has put his game on hold to focus on his family. But Lee is relentless and vows to spend his summer at Sam’s blue-collar country club in the Philly suburbs, hoping it will entice his dad to do the same. Enter the despicable Hal Rustin, who wants nothing more than to see the Lomax family booted from the club. Sam might have no choice but to step in.In The Philly Phenoms, we follow Lee Lomax as he searches for a fix for his golf obsession. He circles a special charity match, held on the first anniversary of 9/11, as both the potential cure and the opportunity of a lifetime for the Lomax family.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Golf as a Symbol and Passion – Central to the plot and rooted in the author’s personal experiences with his father and upbringing.
Father-Son Relationship – A deep emotional core of the story, inspired by the author’s real bond with his own dad.
Themes of Grit and Perseverance – Reflected in Lee’s character and motivated by the author’s observations as a teacher, especially post-COVID.
Blending Humor with Real-World Trauma – Balancing lighthearted moments with heavier subjects like 9/11 and mental health, especially from a child’s point of view.
Collaborative Creative Process – The book became a group effort, with contributions from friends and colleagues for the cover art, course map, and fictional club logo.
What’s Next – Upcoming writing and publishing plans
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nate Oxman has been a golf writer in the Philadelphia area for nearly 20 years. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State University in 2004, Oxman served as an unpaid intern and later sports editor at The Spirit Community Newspapers in Philadelphia, where he covered general news and local youth and high school sports. In 2007, he was hired as the associate sports editor for Montgomery Newspapers, which publishes a group of weekly papers in the Philadelphia suburbs of Montgomery County, and the staff writer for Philadelphia Golfer, a monthly golf magazine published by the newspaper group. While writing for Philadelphia Golfer, Oxman earned a Keystone Media Award from Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association as well as a first-place prize from the Philadelphia Press Association. In 2010, Oxman became the staff writer for Tri-State Golf Magazine, a quarterly publication covering golf news throughout the tri-state area of eastern Pennsylvania, south Jersey, and Delaware. He continues to serve as the staff writer for Tri-State Golf and has contributed freelance work to myriad publications including The Philadelphia Daily News, The Philadelphia Inquirer, South Jersey Magazine, Suburban Life Magazine, Golf Association of Philadelphia Magazine, and Golfer’s Tee Times.
Oxman has covered dozens of local and national events on every major professional golf tour as well as the USGA including the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion, the 2015 and 2024 U.S. Women’s Opens at Lancaster Country Club and the 2026 Truist Championship and Mizuho Americas Open. Oxman is a longtime member of the Golf Writers’ Association of America, the International Network of Golf, the Golf Travel Writers’ Association of America and the Delco Press Club.
Oxman shifted gears and earned his teacher certification from Cabrini University in 2010 and has served as a classroom teacher in the School District of Haverford Township since 2012. He received his Master’s degree in Teaching Secondary English from Slippery Rock University in 2023.
In addition to his work in education and journalism, Oxman began caddying at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. in 1995 and has served as one of the club’s assistant caddie managers since 2009. He has caddied in club, local, and national events including the 1998 U.S. Girls’ Junior, the 2005 U.S. Amateur, and the 2022 Curtis Cup matches. Oxman’s father and uncle both caddied on the PGA Tour.
He lives in Havertown, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, with his wife, Laura, and three daughters: Anna, 12, Emilia, 9, and Eden, 5.
CONNECT WITH NATE OXMAN!
WEBSITE: https://thephillyphenoms.com/ INSTAGRAM: @NateOxman X: @NateOxmanLINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-oxman-b741a520/
 

THIS IS ME
Luke Corbett, a young man who spent most of his life in Canberra, has recently returned to his hometown of Gamarra, a small rural community in the heart of New South Wales. Struggling to find his footing in a place that feels both familiar and alien, Luke is confronted with long-buried emotions when a childhood friend reappears. His deep feelings for this man, however, clash with the conservative values of the town. As whispers and judgement threaten to overshadow his life, Luke must choose: will he suppress his true self to conform or confront the prejudice around him and embrace the life he was meant to live?
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Inspiration and Writing Journey. Aspen’s personal experiences and how the isolation of COVID sparked the story.
Identity and Belonging. Luke’s struggle to live authentically in a small rural town.
Family Legacy. The pressure of living up to his grandfather’s achievements and values.
Community Acceptance vs. Rejection. The tension between tradition and embracing change.
What’s Next. Plans for the sequel and trilogy: This Is Us and This Is Where We Belong.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aspen Thomas grew up in the small western Riverina town of Goolgowi, where the vast landscapes and vibrant community life shaped his early imagination. After moving to Canberra for high school, Aspen continued to nurture his passion for storytelling, drawing inspiration from the world around him. As a child, he loved weaving tales about farm machinery that came to life, setting the stage for a lifetime of creative exploration.A passionate tennis player, Aspen has played since childhood and competes in his tennis club's championships every year. Inspired by tennis greats like Ashleigh Barty, his love for the sport parallels his dedication to education. Aspen has been teaching science and mathematics since 2016, bringing his curiosity and enthusiasm to the classroom.Aspen's debut novel, This Is Me!, was born during the isolating days of the Covid years, while he was locked down in his two-bedroom apartment. Deeply personal yet fictionalised, the story reflects his experiences growing up gay and autistic with ADHD in a small rural community. With an overactive imagination and a determination to share his unique perspective, Aspen creates heartfelt, relatable narratives that resonate with readers.When not writing or teaching, Aspen can be found on the tennis court, exploring new ideas, or championing authenticity and representation in storytelling.
CONNECT WITH ASPEN THOMAS!
Website: https://aspenthomas-writes.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspenthomaswrites/ 
 

Fungus Theory of Conscious Growth - A Radical Biological Origin Story Linking Fungi, Evolution, and Humanity's Cosmic DestinyWhat if all complex life—plants, animals, and even humans—are just branches of a vast, ancient fungal network?In Fungus Theory of Conscious Growth, a groundbreaking theory is explored: that all multicellular life evolved from fungi, and that humanity may be the conscious spore of this planetary organism—poised to spread beyond Earth itself.Drawing from evolutionary biology, paleontology, and astrobiology, this book presents a compelling scientific case that fungi were the first multicellular organisms on Earth. Over time, they diversified, branching into the plant and animal kingdoms. This interconnected lineage suggests a unifying fungal ancestry—and redefines the way we see life on Earth.As humans explore space and prepare to colonize other worlds, we may be participating in a deeper biological imperative—spreading life beyond Earth as fungal spores once colonized land.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Fungus Theory and Human Purpose
Technology as a Survival Mechanism
The Science 
The Role of Storytelling and Emotion
Cosmic Urgency and Existential Risk
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark L. Christensen is a lifelong explorer of ideas, driven by a deep curiosity about cosmology, physiology, and sociology. With a passion for connecting science, creativity, and big-picture thinking, Mark has spent decades developing insights and innovations that challenge conventional boundaries. His work invites us to rethink how we grow, evolve, and understand our place in the universe.
Learn more about Mark and his work at https://marklchristensen.com/
Read an extended interview with Mark L. Christensen: https://readerviews.com/reviews/meet-the-author-christensen-fungus-theory-of-conscious-growth/
 
 

THE PYJAMA BOY
Steven Murphy spent his formative years in Sydney's Redfern. Abandoned by his mother when only weeks old, his father left him in the care of a cruel, alcoholic stepmother while he himself was in jail. Unbelievably, the child they dubbed the "Pyjama Boy" fought his way through life to achieve his ultimate goal. His story is a poignant and haunting one that captivates its reader from the very beginning and remains long after the book has been closed.AN INSPIRATIONAL TALE OF SUCCESS AGAINST THE ODDS . . .
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
Childhood Abuse and TraumaStephen discusses his harrowing upbringing—abandonment, neglect, and physical/emotional abuse by a stepmother—with raw honesty. These experiences form the foundation of The Pajama Boy memoir.
Resilience and TransformationA major theme is how he overcame adversity through perseverance, military service, and eventually becoming a police officer. He emphasizes self-worth, emotional growth, and the importance of breaking cycles.
Emotional Honesty and VulnerabilityStephen reflects on shame, emotional wounds, lost relationships, and the impact of unresolved trauma. He explains his decision to be candid rather than paint himself as a hero and why that matters to him and his readers.
The Book’s Evolution and Re-releaseHe shares why he originally wrote The Pajama Boy, why he’s re-releasing it with updates, and how feedback led to changes—particularly the shift from third-person narration to first-person in the sequel for deeper personal connection.
Sequel and Multimedia IntegrationThe upcoming sequel is discussed in detail—its emotional intensity, inclusion of reflections from family members, and the innovative use of video footage tied to book chapters to enhance reader engagement.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steven Murphy is an Australian author and speaker, whose book The Pyjama Boy offers a raw, unfiltered account of surviving a childhood marked by abandonment, abuse, and neglect. Once known on the streets of Redfern as “the boy in the crumpled pyjamas,” Steven overcame extraordinary adversity to serve in the military, become a police officer, and later, a nationally sought-after speaker.
First released nearly two decades ago and now reintroduced with new reflections, The Pyjama Boy is a powerful reminder that trauma does not define a person—how they respond to it does. Today, Steven speaks at schools, youth centers, and community events across Australia, using real photos, documents, and unsparing honesty to connect with audiences and spark conversations about resilience, identity, and hope.
CONNECT WITH STEVEN MURPHY!
Website: https://thepyjamaboy.com/You Tube: www.youtube.com/@thepjboycom Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/stevenmurphyauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenjohnmurphyTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.pyjama.boy