Today on the show I welcome back Bruce Wagner. Bruce is one of my all-time favorite authors and he is here to talk about his latest novel AMPUTATION.

"AMPUTATION is the first novel to be written about the inferno that obliterated two Los Angeles cities in January of 2025. Major characters are comedian Stephen Colbert; Karen Bass; a Timothée Chalamet stunt double; a fiercely pro-Palestinian heiress and her Zionist father; disgraced Grey’s Anatomy writer Elisabeth Finch and a failed indie film producer—along with an assorted battalion of ordinary people, opportunists, and looters.

A fable drenched in hyperrealism, AMPUTATION is a burnt jewel box showcasing Wagner's transcendent, scabrously poetic powers as he explores the lives (and deaths) of the fire victims, and the consequences of dereliction, delusion, incompetence—and impermanence." (Source: Arcade Publishing)"

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

---

Episode Links:

• Purchase AMPUTATION
• BruceWagner.la

---

SLD Episodes with Bruce Wagner:

• Episode 273 - The Met Gala & Tales of Saints and Seekers
• Episode 84 - ROAR: American Master
• Episode 53 - The Marvel Universe: Origin Stories

On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler sits down with author and musician Daniel Gard'ner to talk about his novel, Desert Songs. Daniel shares how decades in the music industry led him to write this rock and roll L.A. noir, built around the characters Cash and Slim. It's a candid conversation about the reality of band dynamics, friendship, and the pressures of success—a fascinating look at the intersection of music, writing, and the artistic life. Great chat, great book!

Thanks for listening.

---

Episode Links:

• Purchase Desert Songs
• Follow Daniel on Instagram

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, we welcome back the talented Gary Lippman to discuss his latest book, I Wish, Therefore I Am. In this episode, Kyler and Gary discuss the creative process behind the book, exploring the significance of titles and the role of wishes in our lives. Gary shares his insights on how he arrived at the catchy title and the unique structure of the book, which he affectionately refers to as his "kitchen sink book."

Great book, great chat! Thanks for listening.

---

Episode Links:

• Visit Gary's Website
• Purchase I Wish, Therefore I Am

Previous Episodes with Gary:

• Episode 5
• Episode 74