S5-EP1: How to Be a Rockstar Screenwriter: David Silverman on ALF, Anxiety, and the Art of Resilience
Spirit Talk Show kicks off Season 5 with a special extended premiere featuring Emmy-winning television writer and licensed therapist David Silverman. From penning episodes of ALF, Newhart, The Wild Thornberrys, and South Park to guiding screenwriters through emotional burnout, David’s career is a testament to both creative brilliance and human depth.In this unforgettable conversation, we dive into:What really went down behind the scenes of ALFHow David accidentally received The Simpsons director’s paychecksWhy rejection stings and how to survive itThe truth about writing rooms, residuals, and rewriting under pressureAnd how a second act in psychotherapy made him a better storyteller — and mentorWe also discuss his must-read book How to Be a Rockstar Screenwriter, praised as “six stars” by Emmy winner Robert Illes and packed with hard-won advice for anyone who dreams of making screenwriting a career — or at least paying the bills.Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran ready to pivot, this episode is your backstage pass to the craft, the chaos, and the care it takes to stay standing in Hollywood.
--------
58:08
--------
58:08
S4-EP37: Ink, Identity, and the Unknown: MD Neu on Writing the Queer Beyond
What happens when science fiction dares to tell stories that feel like home? In the exciting Season 4 finale of Spirit Talk Show, we welcome internationally acclaimed author MD Neu, whose work blends the otherworldly with the deeply personal — from haunted suburbs to underwater civilizations, always with LGBTQ+ characters at the heart of the tale.Neu joins us for a powerful, funny, and deeply honest conversation about why representation matters, how AI is reshaping creative landscapes, and what keeps storytelling sacred in an age of automation. We cold-read AI interpretations of his work (with surprising results), and Neu reflects on the difference between prompt-driven plot and soul-driven narrative.You’ll also hear about his newest book, Golden Hills Haunting, a gripping paranormal novel about a gay couple, their daughter, and the sinister truths buried beneath their picture-perfect neighborhood.📚 Learn more and connect with MD Neu:Website: www.mdneu.comAmazon Author Page: MD Neu on AmazonBlueSky: @authormdneu.bsky.socialInstagram: @authormdneuFacebook: mdneuauthorBecause sometimes the most fantastical stories are the ones that tell the truth.
--------
47:00
--------
47:00
S4-EP36: Pride Month Special: Faith, Identity, and the Fight for Love
This Pride Month, Spirit Talk Show dares to walk the often avoided path—right into the heart of the conversation where queerness and faith collide. In this powerful episode, host Doyle confronts the historical, cultural, and theological roots of opposition to LGBTQ+ identity, with courage, clarity, and compassion.Far from attacking belief, this episode lovingly examines the scriptures so often used as weapons, offering scholarly, lived, and spirit-led rebuttals to restore dignity and truth. From Leviticus to Romans, from tradition to translation, we challenge the misreading that have caused real harm—and lift up a vision of faith that affirms, includes, and liberates.This is a truth-telling session for anyone who's been wounded by weaponized religion, who’s questioning, or simply longing for a more expansive theology. It's not just about defending queer lives—it's about reclaiming love as sacred.Because Pride is more than celebration—it's healing, it's resistance, and it's a resurrection of joy.
--------
14:38
--------
14:38
S4-EP35: Springtown, SoulMop™, and Spirits: Chris Laird Returns
In Part 2 of this spirited conversation, actor Chris Laird returns to the Spirit Talk Show for more laughs, lore, and live readings. From his dramatic role in Fire on the Ridge—a powerful indie film based on the Paradise fires—to his upcoming appearances in Expedition Unknown and the mystery-crime series Springtown, Chris shares personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insight into the life of a working actor in Sacramento.Doyle and Chris dive into two new AI-generated stories, experiment with a sci-fi romance, and wrap things up with a Jim Carrey-style monologue about ghost hunting gone wrong. But the real surprise? An infomercial for a fictional product called SoulMop™—a metaphysical cleaning tool for your emotional baggage. Yes, it gets weird. Yes, it’s hilarious.Highlights include:– A tribute to Chris’s acting journey– Behind-the-scenes of Springtown and his ghost reenactment work– A ghost-hunting comedy skit in the spirit of Jim Carrey– The invention of SoulMop™, your one-stop solution for karmic clutterCome for the stories. Stay for the SoulMop™
--------
29:31
--------
29:31
S4-EP34: Cold Reads and Cosmic Chaos (with Chris Turek & Howie)
In this jam-packed episode of Spirit Talk Show, host Doyle welcomes back two fan favorites—master voiceover artist Chris Turek and multi-talented musician Howie—for a wild ride through cold reads, laughter, and the absurdly profound. From a haunted subway to collapsing ceilings, lost lemon bars, and post-apocalyptic bagels, no genre is off limits. Along the way, we tackle Shakespearean Goonies, Douglas Adams-style galactic nonsense, and even a heartfelt Martha Stewart tribute to the gay community.With over 45,000 plays and 4,000 subscribers this season, we’re celebrating our community of listeners, storytellers, and daydreamers. Come for the storytelling, stay for the chemistry, and maybe even send us your own weird and wonderful story idea.Want to be part of the show? Visit spirittalkshow.com to submit a prompt or join us in a future episode.
About Spirit Talk Show - Bedtime Stories for Grown Ups
Spirit Talk Show blends personal stories, original fiction, and AI-enhanced tales with immersive sound design and voice actors. Each episode features spontaneous cold readings that explore the eerie, hilarious, and heartfelt. From dynamic radio plays to real conversations, we celebrate storytelling in all its forms—amplifying voices and sparking imagination. Discover why thousands are tuning in. Spirit Talk Show: Because every voice holds a universe. Now, go make a story worth telling.