In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler Bingham talks with award-winning biographer Carla Kaplan about her latest book, Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford. Jessica Mitford, or "Decca," was a member of the famously eccentric British aristocracy who famously defected from her privileged upbringing to become a passionate Marxist and a legendary muckraking journalist in America. Kaplan discusses the fascinating and often dark history of the six Mitford sisters—whose lives spanned the political spectrum from Communism to Fascism—and how Decca used her "hold-your-sides funny" humor as a powerful tool for social activism. From her world-changing exposé of the funeral industry, The American Way of Death, to her tireless work against police brutality in Oakland, this conversation highlights how Mitford's relentless spirit and refusal to succumb to despair offer a vital roadmap for navigating the political tensions of the current moment.
Thanks for listening!
Episode Links:
In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler Bingham sits down with actor and producer Shaun Wu to discuss his compelling new narrative pilot, Henry by the Hour, which is making its world premiere at Dances With Films in New York.
Inspired by the real-world "rental family" services in Japan and the pervasive sense of modern isolation, Shaun explores the profound "beautiful sadness" of paid companionship. The series follows Henry, a professional "rental friend" who navigates the unique needs of his clients—ranging from a simple physical presence in a quiet room to playing the role of a boyfriend to satisfy family expectations.
Thanks for listening!
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Screening Information:
If you are in New York City, catch the world premiere of Henry by the Hour:
Date: January 17th 12:45 PMLocation: Regal Cinemas, Union Square 10
Episode Links:
Instagram: @shaunqwu & @henrybythehour
In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, I’m joined by director Deborah Correa to discuss her new film, The War Between. Based on a story and novella by Ron Yungul, the film explores a lesser-known chapter of the American Civil War: the conflict within the Arizona Territory and New Mexico. Deborah shares the fascinating history behind the California Column, a volunteer force that pushed the Confederacy out of Southern California and Arizona, and discusses how the production achieved such striking authenticity by shooting on location in the exact areas where the historic Battle of Picacho Peak took place.
We also dive into the logistics of pulling off an ambitious indie period piece on a 15-day shoot. Deborah highlights the importance of her collaborative team and the deep research that went into the film, including her commitment to working with Apache and Navajo consultants to ensure cultural reverence and accuracy.
Thanks for listening!
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The War Between is available now on Amazon, Fandango, and at thewarbetweenfilm.com
How does our awareness evolve, and what role does kindness play in that journey? Brian Joel Jolly (Evolving Awareness: Why Kindness Matters) joins Kyler to discuss consciousness and his unique take on the biblical creation story. It’s a conversation about how we see the world, how we connect with one another, and why our perspective on "reality" changes everything.
Great book, great chat!
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Episode Links:
Kyler welcomes back a long-time friend of the show, author Chip Jacobs. Chip is here to chat about his brand new novel, Later Days.
The book is a personal one—it weaves together parts of Chip's own life and the moving story of his friend Tom, all set during their high school years.
We dive deep into friendship, forgiveness, and how memory shapes us. Great book, great chat!
Thanks for listening.
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Episode Links:
This week, we sit down with filmmaker Joe D'Ovidio.
Joe joins us to discuss his short film, A Drive at Dawn, which has been a strong presence on the festival circuit, including a run at the highly-regarded FilmQuest.
Find Joe D'Ovidio on Instagram: @joe.dovidio
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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:
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SLD Episodes with Bruce Wagner:
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:
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:
Previous Episodes with Gary:
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:
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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Episode 353
Film: The Waking Call
Guest: Riccardo Suriano
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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
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:
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Previous Episodes with Will:
Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there.
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Episode 351
Film: Stomach It
Guest: Peter Klausner
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
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:
Salt Lake Dirt has been covering FilmQuest the past couple of weeks. FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there. Enjoy these interviews!
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Episode 349
Film: The Vanity
Guest: Megan Rosati
SYNOPSIS: In the near future, a young couple makes their living as influencers for a new social media platform: THE VANITY. But when THE VANITY upgrades to AI, the horrific visions it shows forces them to decide what matters most: their online following, or each other.
On the Radio on 11/3/25
KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos
KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz
KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR
Today I welcome author Cairo Smith to discuss his new book, Scenebux. In this thought-provoking narrative, we follow Ben, a 25-year-old grappling with a quarter-life crisis in San Francisco as he embarks on a whirlwind adventure through a tech-driven world filled with eccentric characters and existential dilemmas.
Cairo shares insights into his writing process, revealing how he meticulously crafted the plot and details that define Ben's journey. From his background in filmmaking to the unique blend of noir and picaresque storytelling, Cairo's passion for storytelling made for a fascinating episode. Thanks for listening!
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Episode Links
Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there.
Episode 347
Film: M.U.B. (Monster Under the Bed)
Guest: Serena Dykman
IG: @serena_dykman
SYNOPSIS: A one-night stand takes a surreal turn when a childhood Monster creeps from Under the Bed.
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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
This week on Salt Lake Dirt, we dive into the mind of author John Vines as he discusses his debut novel, The World is Angry. A geologist by career, John reveals how his passion for storytelling has led him to create a gripping psychological thriller that intertwines the lives of three friends with a chilling serial killer.
Set against the backdrop of a haunting New Orleans, the story follows three protagonists as they confront their pasts while being pursued by a killer with a twisted rationale. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with their own demons, leading to a suspenseful chase that keeps readers guessing who is truly hunting whom.
John shares his writing process, from outlining chapters to the importance of setting aside dedicated time to write. He reflects on his inspirations, including the literary giants that have influenced his work, and discusses the balance between creativity and discipline in writing.
Join us for an insightful conversation about the craft of writing. Thanks for listening!
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Episode Links
Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there.
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Episode 345
Film: Margaret the Brave
Guest: Danny Chandia
SYNOPSIS: A recently-divorced professor of mythology tries to inspire his teenage daughter with a fairy tale on the night she leaves home to live with her mother, but considering the state of the world- it will take more than fantasy to reach her.
On the Radio on 11/3/25:
KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos
KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz
KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR
Salt Lake Dirt is covering FilmQuest this week! FilmQuest is one of my favorite film festivals out there.
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Episode 344
Film: NIGHTFALL
Guest: Guy Hershler
SYNOPSIS: Haunted by guilt, a young man seeks forgiveness from a grieving mother – only to be sucked into a nightmarish night of chilling truths.
On the Radio on 11/3/25:
KPCR 92.9FM Los Gatos
KMRT 101.9FM Santa Cruz
KVBE 91.9FM Portland, OR