In this episode of the Bell Cow Author Round-up, co-hosts Michael David MacBride and Rob Jung switch chairs—figuratively and literally—as Rob takes the interviewer reins and Michael becomes the featured author.

Michael is the author of At the Wake, a literary, multi-generational novel praised by Kirkus Reviews as “a powerful and nuanced family saga” and “an engrossing narrative about the long shadow of a violent patriarch.” His writing blends emotional depth, sharp observation, and a rare ability to map the fault lines that run through families, identity, and the stories we inherit.

Today, Michael shares a short reading from At the Wake and dives into:

• the book’s origins in family lore, memory, and unanswered questions

• why he gravitates toward stories that sit at the intersection of psychology and narrative

• how his background in academia, podcasting, and creative writing shaped the novel

• the path from early drafts to publication

• and what readers can expect next in his upcoming projects

Rob closes the episode with the signature Round-up Questions, putting Michael on the spot about his favorite films, what he cooks best, who he’d spend a day with (living or dead), and whether he prefers a wild night out or a quiet evening at home.

You can learn more about Michael at:

🔗 https://www.michaelmacbride.com

And you can order At The Wake anywhere books are sold.

Want more Minnesota authors to add to your shelf? Explore the full herd at:

🔗 https://www.bellcowproductions.com

🐮 Join the herd. Or at least give us a listen.

#BellCow #BellCowProductions #BellCowRoundup #MinnesotaAuthors #AuthorInterview #AtTheWake #LiteraryFiction #FamilySaga #MichaelDavidMacBride

Hosts Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride are in the saddle, rounding up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log — and sometimes, one of their own. In this episode, the spotlight turns toward author, publisher, and Bell Cow co-conspirator Rob Jung.

Rob is the author of The Chimera Chronicles trilogy, including his newest psychological thriller Judgment Day. An attorney, journalist, and lifelong storyteller, Rob blends sharp plotting with deep psychological tension, weaving thrillers that explore corruption, identity, and the fragile boundaries between truth and deception.

In today’s round-up, Rob reads a short excerpt from Judgment Day, then sits on the other side of the mic to talk about:

• how the Chimera series began

• the real-world inspirations behind his psychological thrillers

• what keeps him writing, revising, and reinventing

• and his unexpected path into publishing and community-building

And yes — Michael gets to ask Rob the "Rapid-Fire" Round-up Questions, so you’ll learn which historical figure he’d spend a day with, what he cooks best, and whether he’s a “night on the town” or “fireplace and blanket” kind of guy.

You can learn more about Rob at:

🔗 https://robjungwriter.com/

You can buy Judgment Day, and the rest of Rob's books wherever books are sold.

Want to discover more great Minnesota fiction authors? Explore the full herd at: https://www.bellcowproductions.com

🐮 (Moo responsibly.)

#BellCow #BellCowProductions #BellCowRoundup #PsychologicalThriller #MinnesotaAuthors #AuthorInterview #JudgmentDay #TheChimeraChronicles

Welcome to the very first episode of the Bell Cow Author Round-up, where hosts Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride ring the bell for Minnesota’s literary herd. Wait, is this a proper episode?

No, you're right. It's more of a short introduction. Oh well, in this introductory episode, Rob and Michael share the story behind Bell Cow Productions—a creative partnership built to help independent authors find their readers, librarians, and booksellers. You’ll hear how the Bell Cow Cattle-log began, what makes a “bell cow” the leader of the herd, and why this whole project exists to spotlight local fiction authors across Minnesota and nearby states.

Each upcoming episode will feature a different author from the Bell Cow Cattle-log, including short readings, behind-the-scenes stories, and some light-hearted “round-up questions” to end every chat. Together, the catalog and podcast aim to raise awareness of the incredible literary voices living right next door.So settle in for this kick-off conversation—equal parts fun, informative, and full of cow puns (sorry, not sorry).

We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait for you to join the herd.

🐮 Bell Cow Productions📚 www.bellcowproductions.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and YouTube

#BellCow #BellCowProductions #BellCowRoundup #MinnesotaAuthors #AuthorInterviews