A Happy Moment
By Dan Markowski
A Happy MomentMay 16, 2024
The Man of a Thousand Talents
Flobo Boyce has done it all: Author, podcaster, comedian, e-sports caster and more. In this conversation, I talk with Flobo about our love for professional wrestling, favorite storylines, and the evolution of the industry. We also touch on the importance of women's wrestling and the advancements made in recent years. Flobo also shares his journey as an e-sports caster during the pandemic, and how a brush with death jumpstarted his career as a stand-up comedian and highlighting the importance of pursuing one's passions. He also talks about his book, 'Graduation Day,' and offers advice for aspiring podcasters. Plus, you can see how we did with our WrestleMania predictions! Connect with Flobo: https://flobito.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCLdmJ8Rp_XXfQ7vTk4tDQdQ https://knewamsterdam.com/ https://twitter.com/floboboyce https://www.instagram.com/flobito/ Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast https://www.instagram.com/ahappymomentpodcast/
History Plus Fantasy Equals Awesome
Interview with author Judith Starkston focused on her historical fantasy series, the Tesha series, and specifically the fourth book, The Flights of Treason. Starkston discussed the challenges of marketing a niche genre like Hittite fantasy and the interest in the historical figure Puduhepa (Tesha), who is a marquee character in Turkey. She also shared her experience of using Tesha's personal seal (very cool!) to sign her books and the unique rituals and magic in Hittite culture.
Connect with Judith: https://www.judithstarkston.com/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-Starkston/author/B008TSDBME?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1717040436&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true https://www.instagram.com/judith_starkston/ https://twitter.com/JudithStarkston https://www.facebook.com/judy.starkston Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast https://www.instagram.com/ahappymomentpodcast/
Dynamic Writing Duo
In this episode, I interview Park and Barb from Wicker Man Studios, a married couple and collaborative writers known for their relationship dramas in spooky worlds. They discuss their journey from meeting through a shared love of comics to co-authoring various works including novels and graphic novels. Highlights include their process of writing together, their favorite influences and top horror movies, and their recent projects such as 'Hungry Ghosts' and 'Song to the Siren.' Connect with Park and Barb: https://wickermanstudios.com/ https://sspbooks.com/product/hungry-ghosts-prose-novel/ https://sspbooks.com/product/hungry-ghosts-graphic-novel/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057705847859 https://twitter.com/parkcooper https://www.instagram.com/wickermanstudiosusa/ https://www.pinterest.com/WickerManStudios/ https://www.tiktok.com/@wickermanstudios Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast https://www.instagram.com/ahappymomentpodcast/
80's Horror Fun
Where to find me:
podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment
goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235
twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod
www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
www.instagram.com/ahappymomentpodcast/
Writing Magic
Fantasy author J. Edwards Holt joins me to talk about his latest release, The Crossing: A Wayfarer's Chronicles, as well as some of his other works. We also chat about comics and having a preference for villains, plus the work that he does in the community.
Learn more about J and his work: https://www.jedwardsholt.com/ Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast https://www.instagram.com/ahappymomentpodcast/
Echoes from the Grave: Secret Agents of Rock
I interview Jay Watson, co-author of a book that explores the intriguing idea of deceased rock stars faking their deaths to become secret agents saving the world. Jay shares the creative process behind the book, including how he and co-author Kyle Wiltshire were inspired by the concept of alternative historical events and their shared love for films and storytelling. They delve into the development of their characters, incorporating famous musicians such as Elvis Presley and Kurt Cobain. Furthermore, Jay discusses the challenges and joys of co-writing, the legal considerations of using real public figures in fiction, and their hopes for expanding the universe they've created.
Learn more about Dead Rock Stars: https://www.deadrockstarsbook.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thedrsbook/ https://www.facebook.com/thedeadrockstarsbook/ https://twitter.com/DRSbook Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast https://www.instagram.com/ahappymomentpodcast/
Body Slams and Breaking Barriers
A conversation with Sam Mitchell, creator of Autism Rocks and Rolls podcast, delving into Sam's journey with autism, passion for wrestling, and work in destigmatizing autism. Explore Sam's podcast growth, wrestling adventures, musical endeavors, and broadcasting aspirations. The script further ventures into wrestling storylines, favorite wrestlers, media humor, personal hobbies, culinary delights, and dreams for a podcast's future. Connect with Sam: https://autismrocksandrolls.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@autismrocksandrollssammitc2906/videos https://www.instagram.com/autismrocksandrollspod/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/229025325159144 https://twitter.com/SamMitc95075321 Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
From Styling Hair to Making Monsters
Interview with author M. Ryan, who discusses her journey from hairstyling school to writing, her young adult fantasy books, writing process, inspirations, and future projects. She talks about her current books, 'The Monster Hunter' and 'The Court of Monsters', and teases her upcoming series. M. Ryan emphasizes the importance of reading and shares insights into her writing traditions, inspirations, and challenges.
Connect with M: https://www.instagram.com/m_ryan_books/ https://mryanbooks.pubsitepro.com/ Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
Charting Uncharted Waters
In this episode of A Happy Moment, I interview special guest Guy Morris, delving into his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a multi-talented author, songwriter, and technological innovator. Morris shares his early aspirations, struggles with homelessness and survival. We spend a lot of time exploring his novel, The Curse of Cortes, his research into historical mysteries for his novels, and his thoughts on artificial intelligence's future impacts. Could we see a future similar to that in The Terminator?
Connect with Guy: https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/guymorrisbooks
https://twitter.com/guymorrisbooks
Where to find me:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment
https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235
https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod
https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
The Art of Self-Transformation
In this episode of A Happy Moment, I chat with master story work coach Dave Robinson to discuss the transformative power of story work in improving well-being. Dave shares his journey from a history teacher and strength and conditioning coach to discovering story work after a life-changing encounter with a spider bite. He explains story work as a process of becoming aware of and analyzing the stories we tell about ourselves and our past experiences, using it to transition from stress states to states of well-being. Dave also touches on the common challenges people face in mental health. The discussion covers the impact of self-talk, identity exploration, and how external words affect us, alongside Dave's own strategies for maintaining mental health, including cold therapy and embracing physical challenges. Connect with Dave: https://www.workyourstories.com/ https://www.instagram.com/daverobinson.coach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/workyourstories Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
Writing With Wendigo's
In this episode of A Happy Moment, I interview horror author Shannon Lawrence, who discusses her debut novel 'Myth Stalker: Wendigo Nights', her journey as a writer, her interests in horror and fantasy genres since childhood, and insights into creating horror stories. Shannon shares her experiences with published short stories and her transition to novels, her passion for psychology in horror, and the themes and characters in her new book. The conversation also covers the Wendigo legend, Shannon's podcast 'Mysteries, Monsters, and Mayhem', advice for aspiring writers looking to submit their work, and the evolution of her writing career.
Connect with Shannon: https://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thewarriormuse https://www.instagram.com/thewarriormuse/
Where to find me:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymomenthttps://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPodhttps://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
Homestead: Werewolves and Native Americans in the Wild West
Dirk Manning is the writer/creator of 20+ graphic novels ranging from horror to professional wrestling. In this episode, he joins me to talk about his latest project, Homestead, which is currently being crowdfunded on Kickstarter. It's a story of settlers at odds with Native Americans in 1868, with each side seeking to protect their loves ones and their way of life. An already delicate situation becomes even more volatile when werewolves enter the mix. In addition, Dirk shares some of his favorite comics and creators, as well as provides insight to those interested in crowdfunding their own project. He also reflects on his career and what it's meant to him.
This is my first full length video episode!
Where to find Dirk and the Kickstarter for Homestead: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dirkmanning/homestead-comicNote: The paperback version will be available for retail sale, but the Kickstarter is the only way to get the hardcover and extras. https://www.dirkmanning.com/ https://twitter.com/DirkManning Where to find me: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
Streaming and Suplexes
In this episode of A Happy Moment, I talk with special guest John Court, known as JokersRiseHD on Twitch, about his experience as a Twitch streamer, his journey in gaming and his preference for RPGs. John shares his insights on Twitch streaming, the challenge of increasing engagement, and the balance of streaming with personal life. The conversation shifts to wrestling, discussing favorite wrestlers, the return of CM Punk to WWE, and the potential impact of streaming platforms on professional gaming and wrestling viewership. John advises new Twitch streamers on maintaining authenticity and managing a sustainable streaming schedule.
Connect with John:Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jokersrisehdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jokersrise21 Where to find me:
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymomentGoodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
Journey to Warminster
In this episode, I interview fantasy author J.V. Hilliard, who shares his journey from being a busy entrepreneur to becoming a 'COVID author' during the pandemic lockdowns. Hilliard discusses the unforeseen transition of his debut fantasy novel into a series, now poised to release its fourth installment. He dives into his writing process, the evolution from daily nonfiction writing to leveraging his Dungeons and Dragons experience for creating compelling fantasy narratives, and the creation of 'The Warminster Saga,' which blends epic and dark fantasy elements. He also talks about a video game adaptation that's in the works. How cool is that!?
Connect with J.V.! J.V. Hilliard - author of The Warminster Series (jvhilliard.com) J.V. Hilliard, Author (@JVHilliardBooks) / X (twitter.com)
Facebook J.V. Hilliard (@jvhilliardbooks) | TikTok
Where to find me: Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
Rolling Dice Under the Neighborhood
I'm joined by TTRPG creator Kyle Decker, as we discuss his experience with tabletop gaming and the creation of the Under the Neighborhood role playing game. He shares insights on character creation, gameplay mechanics, and the influence of cartoons on the game's design. Kyle also talks about his Quest Friends actual play podcast.
Where to find Kyle and his projects:
Under the Neighborhood by Quest Friends! (itch.io) Quest Friends! (questfriendspodcast.com) Quest Friends! (@quest_friends) | TikTok
Quest Friends! (@Quest_Friends) / X (twitter.com) Kyle Decker (@Deckelodeon) / X (twitter.com) Where to find me: Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
Can You Beat the Buzzer?
This episode serves as an introduction to the world's largest basketball simulation game - BuzzerBeater! I'm joined by special guest Tyler, from the Bubbles BuzzerBeater YouTube channel. We do a general overview of the game and discuss what new players can expect, as well as the state of the game.
BuzzerBeater and Tyler's YouTube channel:
https://www.buzzerbeater.com Bubbles BuzzerBeater - YouTube
Where to find me: Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment
Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ahappymomentpodcast
Raising Our Spiritual Vibration
Chakra Wonders is an organization dedicated to helping people raise their spiritual vibration and becoming the best versions of themselves. In this episode, I'm joined by founder Dexter Morton as we discuss topics such as: What exactly is a chakra and how does it affect us, spirituality and electromagnetic energy, the existence of spirits, angels and demons and the power of meditation.
Chakra Wonders and Dexter's socials: https://chakrawonders.com/pages/about-us https://www.youtube.com/@OnionSoup444 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chakrawonders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chakrawonders/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chakrawonders444
Where to find me: Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
London After Midnight Reborn
From writing and editing, to directing and acting - Jack Bowman and Kenton Hall have done it all. Last year, they set their sights on a silent horror film from 1927 that was destroyed in a vault fire - London After Midnight, starring the legendary Lon Chaney. Jack and Kenton, along with fellow writer Lance Roger Axt, have breathed new life into this classic by remaking it into a full cast audio drama as well as a novelization. Today they join me to talk about these exciting projects!
Check out the project at londonaftermidnight.co.uk You can find them on Twitter @kentonhall and @realjackbowman.
Jack's website www.audiomarvels.com
Where to find me: Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
The World of High Strangeness
Fortean investigator and host of On Wednesdays, We Talk Weird, Ashley Hilt, makes her second appearance on the show. We discuss the squonk, the Beast of Bray Road and other creatures, as well as our experiences at cryptid conventions, UFO's and more.
Check out On Wednesdays, We Talk Weird and interact with Ashley! Ashley Hilt | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Where to find me: Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ahappymoment Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/a-happy-moment-200235 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHappyMomentPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahappymomentpodcast
Announcements!
Preparing for A Happy Moment relaunch and YouTube channel!
Farewell!
This is the final episode of A Happy Moment. I just wanted to say thank you to everybody and talk about my future plans.
Guest Appearance on We Couldn't Think of a Podcast Name
I join Garrett, Louis and Nano on their podcast, We Couldn't Think of a Podcast Name, to chat about the differences between older and newer horror movies, our favorites, the worst ones and the most influential, and more! This was a special episode because Garrett is my cousin, and we don't get to see each other very often. It was a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy it! Check out the links below for more from We Couldn't Think of a Podcast Name!
We Couldn't Think of a Podcast Name | RedCircle
Twitter: @wctopn
Interview with Meliora Henning
Gamer. Voice actor. Illustrator. Musician. Mel is all these things, and more. Above all else though, she's a really cool person and I hope you'll join me in getting to know her!
Twitter: @Mel_of_Agrimoor
The Abominable Snowman (1957)
Inspired by my recent cryptid episode with Ashley Hilt, I decided to take a look at the 1957 movie The Abominable Snowman of the Himalayas. It's an excellent offering from Hammer studios!
Interview with Ashley Hilt
Ashley is the co-host of the On Wednesday's, We Talk Weird podcast and a Fortean investigator who researches cryptids, UFO's and other forms of High Strangeness. She joins me to chat about Big Foot, Mothman, Mongolian death worms, aliens and other weird things!
Dragonlance: Dragons of Deceit with Amy & Turbo
Amy from Fantasy Fiction Fanatics & Turbo join me to discuss the newest Dragonlance book: Dragons of Deceit by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman! *Spoiler Warning* This episode contains spoilers! Nothing in the book is off-limits. If you haven't read the book but plan on it, I don't recommend listening.
For a non-spoiler review, please visit Amy's Youtube channel: Book Review: Dragons of Deceit by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman - YouTube or website: Book Review: Dragons of Deceit – Fantasy Fiction Fanatics You can also find her on Discord, where she has a community dedicated to talking about all things fantasy! https://discord.gg/PfJzw9Ck
Also, please check out Turbo's Youtube channel where she sings Dragonlance songs, including a song she created about the minotaur debate on whether or not they have hooves or feet! A Dragonlance Debate About Minotaur Feet - YouTube
Italy Returns to Discuss Stardom
Wrestling fan Italy makes his second appearance on the show! We discuss the results of Stardom's 5 Star GP, the current tag league, Syuri vs. Guilia and the women's IWGP championship. Apologies for the volume fluctuating in a few areas.
Hunters of the Lost Creatures
Review of the board game Hunters of the Lost Creatures! Note: My explanation of the Cat-a-pult and Turnado cards got chopped off. The Cat-a-pult lets you eliminate any card from any open park, and the Turnado lets you swap any two creatures so long as they are in open parks.
Halloween Ends Review with Tina the Librarian (Spoiler Alert!)
My very first guest on the show, Tina the Librarian, is back! She's here to help me review the latest horror movie in the Halloween franchise, Halloween Ends! Warning: This episode contains full spoilers. If you plan on watching the movie, I don't recommend listening!
Bird Box
Beware the unknown! Review of Josh Malerman's debut novel, Bird Box! A horror novel full of tension that will have you eagerly flipping through the pages to find out what happens next!
Interview with Ta2squid
Interview with Dre from the Ta2squid podcast! Fun times talking about wrestling and horror movies! I get Dre's opinion on one of my least favorite angles from the Attitude Era, plus we also talk about some current events in wrestling. And of course, we have to spend time on horror movies. Find out a few of Dre's favorites and hear his predictions for Halloween Ends.
Interview with Bazgrim
Interview with video game content creator, Bazgrim! We talk about old school MMORPG's, then spend the second half of the episode discussing the highly anticipated, upcoming MMO Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen!
The Art of Prophecy
Book review for The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chu. This is an action-packed fantasy novel in a Chinese-inspired setting. Highly recommended, especially for those looking for something a little different in the fantasy genre.
Interview with Tim McCarthy
Interview with Tim McCarthy, host of the 20Timinutes podcast that focuses on mental health with humor, insight and personal stories. We talk a lot about wrestling, and also his podcast, favorite Halloween movies and his time as a game show contestant.
Interview with Lesbian Bed Death
Interview with the band Lesbian Bed Death. If you're into horror, rock, metal, punk or goth music, then this is the band for you! We discuss their music, new music video, upcoming tour, favorite horror movies and hobbies.
Lesbian Bed Death: About (lesbianbeddeathband.blogspot.com) Facebook Official Lesbian Bed Death (@lesbianbeddeath) • Instagram photos and videos Lesbian Bed Death (UK Gothic Punk/Hard Rock Band) (@LBDofficial) / X (twitter.com)
Interview with Joseph Sale
Joe is an author of dark fantasy, epic poetry and non-fiction work, as well as an editor. We discuss the elements of writing and which ones are the most important. We talk about his most recent releases, including his book to help people unlock their creative potential, The Divine. Joe also shares some reading recommendations and a few other talented authors to check out.
Blood Bank: A Charitable Anthology
A review of the dark fiction anthology, Blood Bank! Also some exciting news about a future episode!
Stardom 5 Star GP Preview with Italy
Talking wrestling and previewing Stardom's 5 Star GP with guest, Italy!
Pantera Reunion
Some brief thoughts on the Pantera reunion.
Wrestling News
A look at some recent news in the WWE and Stardom.
Interview with Christa Wojciechowski
Interview with author Christa Wojciechowski
Angry Music!
A brief look at my music journey in life so far.
Let's Talk TTRPG's!
Describing and talking about playing TTRPG's.
Wrestling and...Cinderella?
Talking about Stardom, as well as a brief Buff Bagwell mention!
Bang!
I review the dice game Bang!
Frankenstein (1931)
A look at the 1931 movie, Frankenstein.
Bring Your Own Book
Review of the card game Bring Your Own Book.
Dracula (1931)
I go over the 1931 movie, Dracula.
The Wolfman (1941)
I cover the 1941 movie, The Wolfman.
Intro to Wrestling
Comparing wrestling to books and a history of my time as a fan. As mentioned in the episode, here is Syuri vs. Utami: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWwwvcmMC04