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

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Episode Links:

• Purchase AMPUTATION
• BruceWagner.la

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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.

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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.

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Episode Links:

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

Previous Episodes with Gary:

• Episode 5
• Episode 74

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, we have the pleasure of welcoming Tim Kirk, author of the new novel, All His Damned Mother's Sons. In this episode, Kyler and Tim delve into the fascinating world of alternate history, exploring a timeline where Elvis Presley meets an untimely death during his military service in Germany. This pivotal moment sends shockwaves through the lives of four characters, particularly Billy Clover, who finds himself thrust into the limelight as the new Prince of Rock and Roll.

Great book, great chat! Thanks for listening.

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Episode Links:

• Visit Tim's Website
• Purchase All His Damned Mother's Sons

Salt Lake Dirt is wrapping up its coverage FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there. Check it out!

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2025 FilmQuest

Episode 353

Film: The Waking Call

Guest: Riccardo Suriano

Watch the Trailer

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On the Radio on 11/3/25

• KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos

• KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz

• KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR

• www.kpcr.org

• www.saltlakedirt.com
  

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, we welcome back William Cooper to discuss his new novel, The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld. In this episode, Kyler and Will dive deep into the complex character of Rumsfeld, exploring the nuances of his personality and the historical context that shaped his decisions. Will shares how the events of September 11th sparked his interest in politics and led him to create a narrative that humanizes a figure often viewed as distant and unrelatable.

As they discuss the book's themes, listeners will discover the intriguing concept of alternate history and how it allows for a fresh perspective on real-life figures. Will reveals his writing process, the challenges of portraying a controversial character, and the irony behind some of Rumsfeld's most famous quotes. This engaging conversation showcases the intricacies of human nature, the impact of ego on decision-making, and the lessons learned from history.

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Episode Links:

• Visit Will's Website
• Subscribe to Will's Substack
• Books and More with William Cooper

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Previous Episodes with Will:

• Episode 305: A Quiet Life
• Episode 314: How America Works

Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there.

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2025 FilmQuest

Episode 351

Film: Stomach It

Guest: Peter Klausner

• IG: @stomachitfilm
• IG: @klausnerpeter

Logline: While struggling to emotionally detach from the deceased, a crime scene cleaner believes a monstrous presence is toying with him.

On the Radio on 11/17/25

• KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos

• KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz

• KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR

• www.kpcr.org

• www.saltlakedirt.com
  

This week Kelly Cervantes joins me on Salt Lake Dirt. She is the author of the new memoir, The Luckiest: A Memoir of Love, Loss, Motherhood, and the Pursuit of Self. Kelly takes us on an emotional journey through her life, exploring the complexities of motherhood, the depths of grief, and the transformative power of love.

Kelly shares the inspiration behind her memoir, which is beautifully structured around the metaphor of nesting dolls. She reflects on her experiences navigating the highs and lows of life, particularly the challenges faced when her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy just as her husband achieved a career milestone. Kelly's vulnerability and honesty shine through as she discusses the importance of embracing all parts of oneself, including the painful chapters of life.

We talk about themes of perfectionism and people-pleasing, as Kelly opens up about the pressures women face and the struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst societal expectations. With grace and insight, she encourages listeners to find compassion for their past selves and to recognize the beauty in their journeys.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• PURCHASE The Luckiest
• Visit Kelly's Website
• Follow Kelly on Instagram
• Subscribe to Kelly's Substack
• Cure Epilepsy
• UDNF.org