The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by novelist Evelyn Ann Casey, whose newest work, Candlewood, blends romance, women’s fiction, and historical storytelling into a warm, atmospheric narrative. Evelyn’s prose is lyrical and immersive, and she’s known for crafting emotionally rich stories rooted in memory, place, and relationships.

Her work often explores the quiet spaces where love, regret, and second chances meet—stories full of compassion and the delicate complexities of human connection. Evelyn brings a historian’s rigor to her fiction, but her stories never feel weighed down by research; instead, her details breathe life into her worlds. She’s also a passionate advocate for stories about strong, complex women whose journeys reflect resilience and hope.

You can learn more about Evelyn at: https://evelynanncasey.com/

Her books—including Candlewood—are available wherever books are sold.

In this episode, Evelyn talks about building emotional landscapes, weaving research into narrative, and writing stories that feel both timeless and deeply intimate.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by Minnesota author James W. Bennett, whose psychological thriller Catechisms takes readers deep into questions of belief, identity, and the darker corners of the human psyche. James’s writing blends literary sensibility with high-tension storytelling, weaving introspective character work into narratives that grip from the first chapter.

Known for his reflective style and philosophical depth, James writes thrillers that linger long after the final page—stories that entertain but also challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths. He’s a longtime creative writing teacher and mentor, and his approach to craft emphasizes emotional honesty, character complexity, and the power of subtext.

You can learn more about James at: https://www.jameswbennettsbooks.com/

His books—including Catechisms—are available wherever books are sold, including Minnesota’s celebrated mystery bookstore Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/

In this episode, James talks with us about writing psychological tension, building flawed but compelling characters, and using fiction to explore the questions we can’t shake.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by thriller and mystery author Thekla Madsen, whose novel Bad JuJu and the Eye of Oya blends fast-paced suspense with supernatural undertones. Thekla’s writing crackles with energy—her thrillers are known for smart twists, vivid characters, and a distinctive voice that pulls readers in from the first page.

Thekla has long been part of the Midwest writing community, mentoring new authors, participating in critique groups, and championing bold, risk-taking storytelling. Her work often explores themes of fate, choice, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. She’s also a lively conversationalist—equal parts thoughtful and mischievous—and her creative process is infused with curiosity and a delight in the strange.

You can learn more about Thekla at: https://www.facebook.com/BadJuJuinCleveland2014

Her books—including Bad JuJu and the Eye of Oya—can be found wherever books are sold and at Minnesota’s iconic Once Upon a Crime bookstore: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/

In this episode, Thekla talks about balancing thriller pacing with supernatural elements, writing bold characters, and finding the joy in storytelling’s darker edges.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by Minnesota author Dean Hovey, whose long-running mysteries—including the Whistling Pines and Pine County series—have become staples for readers who love small-town settings, offbeat characters, and twisty investigations. His newest release, Whistling Librarian, continues his talent for blending cozy charm with genuine suspense, giving readers both a puzzle to solve and a community to fall in love with.

Dean writes across mystery sub-genres—cozies, procedurals, and traditional whodunits—and brings a keen eye for human behavior and a dry sense of humor to every story. A former educator and administrator, he draws inspiration from real community dynamics, weaving in the quirks, warmth, and occasional chaos of small-town Midwest life. His Minnesota settings feel wonderfully authentic because they’re built from lived experience.

You can learn more about Dean at: https://www.facebook.com/dean.hovey.94/

His books—including Whistling Librarian—are available wherever books are sold and at Minnesota’s beloved Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/

In this episode, Dean talks about writing across sub-genres, crafting memorable amateur sleuths, and finding fresh mysteries in familiar places.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by Minnesota mystery author Judy Kerr, whose forthcoming novel Postmarked Castle Cove blends police-procedural grit with atmospheric, emotionally layered storytelling. A retired police sergeant with decades of experience, Judy brings an authenticity to her fiction that can’t be faked—her investigations feel lived-in, meticulously researched, and grounded in the psychological realities of police work.

Judy has written for years about grief, resilience, and the complicated lives of those who serve in law enforcement. Her characters are flawed, human, and compelling, shaped as much by their personal histories as by the cases they investigate. Beyond her fiction, Judy is a frequent speaker and advocate for trauma-informed approaches within both policing and storytelling, and she’s beloved within the Minnesota writing community for her candor, humor, and generosity.

You can learn more about Judy at: https://www.judymkerr.com

Her books—including Postmarked Castle Cove—are available wherever books are sold, and mystery fans will also find her work at Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/

In this episode, Judy discusses authenticity in procedural writing, the emotional toll of police work, and building stories that honor both justice and humanity.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by Minnesota author Scott Welvaert, whose latest novel Escape from Atlantis City blends young-adult energy with big-canvas world-building. Scott writes the kinds of adventures he loved growing up—stories fueled by imagination, peril, and heart—and his YA science-fiction and fantasy novels deliver high-stakes action alongside characters who feel authentic and emotionally grounded.

Scott is also a screenwriter and visual storyteller, and that cinematic instinct shows up throughout his work. His scenes move, his worlds breathe, and his characters navigate danger in ways that feel both epic and deeply personal. His books often explore themes of belonging, bravery, and what it means to step into your own power—timeless questions that resonate with readers of all ages.

You can learn more about Scott at: https://scottwelvaert.com/.

His novels—including Escape from Atlantis City—can be found wherever books are sold.

In this episode, Scott talks about writing for teens, building fantastical worlds without losing emotional truth, and why speculative fiction continues to expand the boundaries of what's possible on the page.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by Minnesota author Mary Seifert, whose Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries have charmed readers with their humor, heart, and irresistible whodunits. Her latest installment, Airplanes, Atlanta & an Assassin, drops readers into another high-stakes adventure filled with clever puzzles, quirky characters, and the emotional intelligence that makes her series so beloved.

A former teacher and lifelong storyteller, Mary blends warmth and wit with tightly crafted mysteries that keep readers smiling even as the clues pile up. Her protagonist—math-loving Katie—brings a refreshing, brainy spin to the cozy genre, and Mary’s knack for crafting lovable side characters gives each book a lived-in, small-town feel. Beyond her writing, Mary is known for her kindness, generosity, and the way she instantly puts people at ease—qualities that shine through in her fiction.

You can learn more about Mary at: https://www.maryseifertauthor.com

Her books—including Airplanes, Atlanta & an Assassin—are available wherever books are sold. Minnesota listeners can also find her cozy mysteries on the shelves at Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/

In this episode, Mary talks about crafting cozies with heart, writing quirky characters, and why mystery and comfort pair so perfectly.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by author Michael Mallory, creator of the Snake Jones series and a longtime voice in mystery and crime fiction. His newest novel, Tiger Claw, continues his trademark blend of hard-edged plotting, noir flavor, and character-driven suspense. Mallory’s background as a journalist and critic informs his sharp prose—he knows how to deliver clean, vivid writing that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.

Michael has published more than 150 short stories, essays, and articles, and his work spans genres including mystery, adventure, and pop-culture history. He is also a recognized Sherlockian scholar and has written multiple books on classic Hollywood and the evolution of genre storytelling. Behind the scenes, Michael is as generous as he is prolific: he mentors emerging writers, participates in countless literary panels, and is deeply connected to the international mystery community.

You can learn more about Michael at: https://www.snakejones.com/

His books—including Tiger Claw—are available wherever books are sold, and readers can also find his noir-infused mysteries at Minnesota’s beloved Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/

In this episode, Michael talks about noir sensibilities, iconic detectives, and crafting tension that never lets the reader go.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup