Rendezvous With A Writer Podcast

THINGS ARE NEVER AS THEY SEEMGuest Author John BradshawHosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch the YouTube Video 
Author John Bradshaw returns with his second Western
Fiction title Elmer Kelton's The Blessing. Hewey Calloway, Elmer Kelton’s favorite footloose cowboy, has always been known to have a generous nature readily giving to those in need. In this sequel to The Smiling Country, a beneficiary to one of Hewey’s past generosities pays him back, and with interest. Sounds like this is a simple story but there is tension, treachery, and a shot fired…things are never as they seem! John Bradshaw shares how he came to inherit Elmer Kelton’s characters, how his real-life experiences inform his writing, and the back stories to his new characters. Saddle up!Playlist 1. Way Out West In Texas - Don Edwards - Album My Hero Gene Autry 2. West Texas Sand - Lone Prairie - Album Texas True Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired July 30, 2026  
 

UNCOVER THE TRUTH BEHIND THE BADGEGuest Author Alfred Wallon Hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch the YouTube Video 
Guest author Alfred Wallon makes his first US interview appearance joining us from Germany to chat about three titles from his popular Kennedy U.S. Marshal  Series. Each is a thrilling Western Adventure! Wallon invites you to saddle up, strap in, and ride hard along with U.S. Marshal Jim Kennedy as he investigates smugglers, corrupt officials, and the greed of the powerful El Paso Ring. Ride along with us for an engaging conversation with the talented Alfred Wallon about writing, creating story lines and characters, and why he is passionate about the American Western.Playlist:1. Lawmen - written and performed by John Bergstrom - CD Daybreak Moon 2. Heart Behind The Badge - written and performed by Joni HarmsFrom Dusty Saddle Publishing and available through Amazon:
Book #1 DEATH IN EL PASO
Book #2 THE HUNT FOR SHADOW MAN
Book #3 WITHOUT MERCY
Books #4-#12 available now with #13-#15 on their way!Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired July 23, 2026  
 

A JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF VIOLENCE, MEMORY AND SURVIVALGuests Bruce Scivally and Sam F. ParkHosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch the YouTube Video
 
Two lives lived, two compelling stories, two new Western storytellers – join us and meet authors Sam F. Park and Bruce Scivally. A new gritty Western, WASTED, by Sam F. Park delivers a powerful story of ruin and reckoning. In the Wyoming Territory of the 1880s, the Old West was built on blood, whiskey, and second chances. More than a Western novel,
it’s a journey into the heart of violence, memory, and survival, where even the most ruined soul may carry the spark of salvation. Take our advice GET WASTED!Our second guest, WASTED publisher and author Bruce Scivally, shares the story of his latest Western, The Last Stage. C. Courtney Joyner has this to say about Bruce Scivally’s haunting look at Wyatt Earp’s final hours, Like the best works of Will James and Louis L’Amour, “The Last Stage,” with poetic economy, gives us new insights into the life of Wyatt Earp while placing itself solidly among the very best of new Western fiction.We couldn't put these books down! Neither will you. We take an in-depth look into each book including their backstories, inspirations, characters, and more!  Playlist1. Wyatt And Josie written and performed by Katy Moffatt and David WilkeAlbum - Katy Moffatt - Where The Heart Is 2. Wyatt's Lament performed by Jim Jones, co-written with Bruce Huntington  Album - Jim Jones - Feels Like Home To Me
Meet Sam F. Park:
Website - https://samfparkwriter.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/samfpark
Meet Bruce Scivally:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bruce.scivally
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brucescivally
Henry Gray Publishing - https://www.henrygraypublishing.com
Henry Gray Publishing Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083012816755 
 
Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired July 16, 2026  

DARK SHADOWS CELEBRATES 60 YEARS!Guests Kathryn Leigh Scott and Henry C. ParkeHosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch the YouTube Video 
Did you rush home from school every afternoon, or arrange your afternoon coffee break, so you never missed an episode of DARK SHADOWS? Welcome to the 60th Anniversary of Dark Shadows with our guests actress KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT and Dark Shadows fan HENRY C. PARKE! Just in time for this important anniversary is the release of a new book compiled by John Logan and Kathryn Leigh Scott, DARK SHADOWS LEGACY, a photographic odyssey through the entire Dark Shadows universe, a coffee table book that presents the full Dark Shadows experience, with guest essays and rare photographs from the original 1966 series, the feature
films, the 1991 revival series, behind-the-scenes pictures and more!Join us for an engaging conversation with Kathryn about her early days growing up in Minnesota, her move to New York City, her years on Dark Shadows and beyond!Music Playlist:1. Theme From Dark Shadows2. Josette's Music Box Theme
JUST RELEASED! For guest Kathryn Leigh Scott, acting and writing have always been twin pursuits. Like twins, they entered her life moments apart in story-telling and play-acting. Now in
her eighth decade, she has just released a collection of short pieces written over the years, REFLECTIONS: A LIFE IN WRITING.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION, COMMENT, OR MEMORY FOR KATHRYN? Email to us: podcasthosts@rendezvouswithawriter.com
Meet Kathryn Leigh Scott:Writing and acting have always been Kathryn’s twin careers. Kathryn grew up on a farm in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Upon graduation from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Kathryn landed a lead role in the classic Gothic daytime drama, DARK SHADOWS (ABC, 1966-1971), and starred in 1970 MGM feature, House of Dark Shadows. Kathryn played four roles in the series: Maggie Evans, Josette Du Pres, Lady Kitty Hampshire, and Rachael Drummond. Website -  https://www.kathrynleighscott.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kathrynleighscottauthorInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kathrynleighscott/
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@kathrynleighscott9002
Meet Henry C. Parke:Website -  https://henryswesternroundup.blogspot.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063446150739Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/henry.parke.5INSP Network – Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/insp Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired July 9, 2026  

TWO BROTHERS BOUND BY BLOOD, TROUBLE, AND LOVEGuests Cindy Mitchum Azbill, Henry C. Parke and C. Courtney Joyner Watch the YouTube Video
Are you a fan of the Mitchum Brothers – John and Robert? If not yet, you will be now! Join us for an engaging conversation with our three guests, Cindy Mitchum Azbill - daughter of film actor John Mitchum and niece of his brother, Robert Mitchum, Henry C. Parke, True West Magazine Film Editor, and C. Courtney Joyner, Screenwriter and film historian. Cindy Mitchum thought she was growing up in a “normal” family until she got a job at an insurance company and her Dad said, “When are you going to realize you are NOT normal?” that she really noticed. Today, Cindy carries the torch to share her family’s legacy. Join us for a lively conversation about her father’s autobiography, Them Ornery Mitchum Boys: The Adventures of Robert and John Mitchum. When we asked Cindy why this engaging and entertaining book should be on everyone's TBR list she replied with this insightful comment:Dad refused to put anything nasty or hurtful in the book, especially towards anyone who was still alive. He said why make yourself mean and small?
In today's social media world and the ability to hide behind screens, remaining faceless instead of looking people eye to eye, nastiness, hatred, rudeness and disrespect seem to be the excepted norm.
The world could use a little Mitchum right now! ---Cindy Mitchum Azbill, Rendezvous With A Writer, July 2, 2026ABOUT THE BOOK:Them Ornery Mitchum Boys: The Adventures of Robert and John Mitchum is John Mitchum’s raw memoir chronicling his and his brother’s journey from Depression-era hardships and freight-train wanderings to Hollywood, capturing their bare-knuckle fights, mischief and unvarnished bond.”“It is a hilarious and remarkable book about their lives together…a fantastic cultural artifact.”Publisher – Henry Gray Publishing ABOUT THE ALBUM:We included two music clips from John's very special album, John Mitchum's Unabashed Love of God, Country, Cowboys, and God1. America - Why I Love Her - Recited by Robert Duvall2. The Pledge Of Allegiance - Recited by James DruryMeet Cindy Mitchum:Website – www.johnmitchum.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cindymitchum.azbillInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cindymitchumazbill/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mitchummediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/themornerymitchumboys/Meet Henry C. Parke:Website -  https://henryswesternroundup.blogspot.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063446150739Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/henry.parke.5INSP Network – Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/inspMeet C. Courtney Joyner:Website -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003676/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ccourtney.joynerFantastic Fiction - https://www.fantasticfiction.com/j/courtney-joyner/Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired July 2, 2026  
 

THESE HISTORICAL THRILLERS WILL MAKE YOUR PULSE RACE! GUEST JJ HARRIGANHosts Jim and Bobbi Jean BellWatch the YouTube VideoOur guest, JJ HARRIGAN, is the award-winning author of the GOODBYE SERIES of historical thrillers, inspired by his background as a soldier, U.S. Foreign Service Officer, and professor of political science. Although we’ll chat about all three titles, Goodbye Cuba, and Goodbye Bobby, we’ll focus on his latest release, Goodbye Demons. Described as the story of a man and a woman struggling to overcome demons beyond their control, it is a visceral, emotionally charged exploration of resilience in the face of adversity. Harrigan also shares unique writing tips and author insights. Join us!Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band  Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired June 25, 2026  

HEART OF THE SONGGUEST HOST TOM SWEARINGENGUEST RANDY PALMER
Watch The YouTube Video
Guest Host Tom Swearingen welcomes his Special Guest Randy Palmer to the show. A Folk/Americana singer-songwriter Randy Palmer blends the artistry of a painter with the soul of a poet. Born on the High Plains of West Texas, Palmer grew up with the DIY spirit of his family’s painting business and channels that desire for beauty into heartfelt songs that reflect life’s core truths.
A 2025 Western Writers of America Spur Award winner, Randy also helped pen the International Western Music Association 2025 Song of the Year, “Blessed By The West,” alongside Sarah Pierce and Merel Bregante. As a solo songwriter and performer, his chart-topping “Dance Ponies Dance” continues to introduce new listeners to his voice and vision. Join Tom and Randy as they discuss the poet and songwriter connection and the heart of the songwriting process. Enjoy several of Randy’s songs!Unless otherwise noted, all music written and performed by Randy Palmer."Cowboy" co-written with Tom Swearingen "Dance Ponies Dance""Welcome To My Home" "My Name Is Juan""It's A Crazy Thing" "Deeper Water" Guest Host - Tom SwearingenHosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band  Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired June 18, 2026  

AN ASTROID IS ABOUT TO SLAM INTO EARTH!Hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch the YouTube Video 
Join our guest Robert J. Sawyer for an entertaining conversation! Winner of
both The Hugo Award and The Nebula Awards for Best Science-Fiction Novel of the Year, Sawyer is a member of the Order of Canada and the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. We chat with Rob about his recently released sequel to The Downloaded. Called a “provocative and compelling follow-up” The Downloaded 2: Ghosts In The Machine, is speculative fiction at its finest.Meet this engaging and entertaining storyteller!
Here’s what others say:
Underneath the sci-fi and the technology, this is a story about love and loss and
second chances, about people trying to reconnect, no matter how fantastic it may seem across, time and space. -- Academy Award-winner Brandan Fraser
At every opportunity, Sawyer forces his readers to think while holding their
attention with ingenious premises and superlative craftsmanship. -- Booklist Playlist:King Harvest - Dancin' In The Moonlight Tom Lehrer - We Will All Go Together When We Go Vera Lynn - We'll Meet Again
Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired June 11, 2026 

HOW VIOLENCE AND FIREARMS BECAME A PART OF AMERICAN IDENTITYHosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch The YouTube Video
Join us for an engaging conversation with our two guests, Henry C. Parke, True West Magazine Film Editor and author of The Greatest Westerns Ever Made and The People Who Made Them and two-time Emmy Award winner Kirk Ellis. Henry takes the lead and gives us his scoop on current Western films and TV shows with this month’s Henry's Western Round-up. We take an in-depth look at Kirk Ellis’ latest release, They Kill People: Bonnie And Clyde, A Hollywood Revolution, And America's Obsession With Guns And Outlaws. This riveting and important book is the story of the outlaws whose real lives were anything but glamorous. Most of all, it is the story of how violence and a predilection for firearms became a fundamental part of American identity.
Here’s what a few readers have to say:
A supple and far-ranging narrative. -- Hampton Sides
 
This is a thoughtful and frequently surprising look at a film that quite literally changed the way movies were made.-- Booklist
 
In THEY KILL PEOPLE, Kirk Ellis leads the reader through our history of gun-fueled outlawry with entertaining enlightenment. --Bryan Cranston, producer/star of Breaking Bad  Playlist:Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Lester Flatt and Earl ScruggsThe Legend of Bonnie and Clyde - Merle HaggardHosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired June 4, 2026 

A MIX OF HISTORY WITH ADVENTUREHosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch The YouTube Video 
With characters as rich as the history of Indian Territory, author CHARLIE AMOS, joins us to chat about the first two books of THE GREEN COUNTRY SERIES. We chat about the inspiration behind the series, how Charlie's work and home background inform his writing, and why dialogue is the key to his entertaining storytelling. We meet Cherokee cowboy Turan Turtle and Jewish immigrant Levi Kuratowski, better known as “Little Kansas” in book one, ON THE SCOUT. Unlikely partners, together they face extreme weather, outlaws, and forces beyond their control to deliver a prized Hereford bull to the Cherokee Nation.
Both characters return in book two, Call In The Dogs, “Little Kansas” (Levi) has been granted a trading license approved by the Cherokee Nation and is determined to build a trading post on the banks of Spring Creek. His attention is diverted when he receives word an old adversary, outlaw Bill Kirby, has escaped custody and is hot on his trail. Will he be able to hold on to what he has built and face the man who thinks of nothing except for his destruction and all he holds dear? Tune in to find out more about these memorable characters and their adventures. 
PLAYLIST:1. Oklahoma Hills - Performed by Gene Autry - CD The Essential Gene Autry 2. Barbara Allen - Performed by Crystal Gayle, John McEuen, The Kansas Settlers Band - CD The Music of the Wild West SoundtrackHosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band  Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired May 28, 2026