Indie Horror Spotlight: ‘Hellbilly Hollow’ Brings Practical Gore and Heavy Metal to Theaters

The blood-soaked Southern throwback horror film will be released in select U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026. Photo: Bald Man Films/Convoke Media, used with permission.

THE BACKWOODS GET BLOODY: “HELLBILLY HOLLOW” TRAILER DROPS AHEAD OF SEPTEMBER THEATER RELEASE

One of the South’s most iconic haunted attractions is about to become the setting for an all-new generation’s nightmares.

Bald Man Films and Todd Slater’s Convoke Media have officially unleashed the first trailer for “Hellbilly Hollow,” a blood-soaked Southern throwback horror reminiscent of cult classics Terrifier and Friday the 13th. Filmed on location at the real-life Hellbilly Hollow haunted attraction in Vincent, Alabama, the film slashes into select U.S. theaters via Atlas Distribution Company on Friday, September 25. (Cinematic Red PR, 2026)

Check out the trailer breakdown, storyline, and behind-the-scenes details below.

The Synopsis: Real Scares in the Alabama Backwoods

In Hellbilly Hollow, a team of paranormal YouTubers ventures deep into the Alabama backwoods to film at a haunted attraction the night before Halloween. They soon encounter a sinister presence far more frightening, and deadlier, than specters and staged scares:

  • Tickles: A disfigured, childlike clown.
  • Bull: His manipulative caretaker brother.

One by one, the investigators and local thrill-seekers fall victim to the siblings’ sadistic games inside the attraction’s real-life haunted barn, hayride, and scare zones.

From Commercial Shoot to Southern Slasher

The idea for the film took root on-site at the attraction, where director Kevin Wayne was initially filming a commercial. After envisioning a sinister figure hunting victims through the haunt’s eerie backwoods setting, the concept evolved into a full-length feature.

“I’ve wanted to make a horror film for a long time – but not just any horror film. With ‘Hellbilly Hollow,’ I saw a chance to tell a true Southern horror story – one that’s sinister and twisted, atmospheric and character-driven, not just reliant on jump scares and gore.” — Kevin Wayne (Director / “Tickles”)

“We came up with a slate of outrageous, never-before-seen kills. From day one, we knew this would be the start of something bigger – a series of films built around a place, two complex, deranged siblings, and the culture they inhabit.” — Kurt Deimer (Producer / “Bull”)

Practical FX, Heavy Metal, and Carnage

Designed to deliver authentic throwback thrills, Hellbilly Hollow turns carnival mechanics into lethal traps. Engineered by executive producer and production designer Mike Denard, the set features customized, practical set pieces including:

  • Wack-a-Troll
  • High Striker
  • Acid Darts
  • Car Dunk Sequence

The Sound of Horror:

Supercharging the scares, the film features an original score composed by Roy Mayorga (Ministry), sound design by Tom Boykin (John Wick: Chapter 4, The Last of Us), and eight original songs performed by rock artist and co-star Kurt Deimer.

Cast and Crew Highlights

  • Cast: Kurt Deimer, Kevin Wayne, Danny Vinson, Sandra Ellis Lafferty, Megan Alexandrea Weaver, Hallie Shepherd, Trey Miller, and Keller Fornes.
  • Director: Kevin Wayne
  • Writer: Bernadette Chapman
  • Producers: Kurt Deimer, Todd Slater
  • Director of Photography: David Brower
  • Executive Producers: Michael T. Clarke, Mike Denard, Andy Gould, David Miller, Tim Miller, James Srygley, Kevin Wayne, and Brandon Evans.

ABOUT BALD MAN FILMS

Founded by Cincinnati-born rocker, actor, and producer Kurt Deimer, Bald Man Films specializes in producing genre content. The company is the culmination of Deimer’s unconventional journey from the school of hard knocks to entrepreneur, rock musician, actor, and film producer.

ABOUT CONVOKE MEDIA

Convoke Media is a strategic investment and content company operating at the intersection of film, television, digital media, and institutional capital. Recent films include, The Optimist, Flyover, Scare BnB, Paul & Greg & Amelia, & Don’t Log Off. Founded by veteran media executive Todd Slater, the company focuses on the development, financing, and scaling of premium content with global commercial potential.

Hellbilly Hollow still. Photo: Bald Man Films/Convoke Media

Leaving Washington: Why Jen Thompson Walked Away from Political Power in ‘Wild Pivot’

‘Wild Pivot’ by Jen Thompson is an impactful memoir about choosing truth over approval. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Book Review: Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten by Jen Thompson

Release Date: September 22, 2026 | Status: Available for Pre-Order

As a successful and prominent young Republican strategist, Jen Thompson possessed the power and prestige she had always strived for, yet it was built on an underlying current of personal disconnect. Her inner voice warned that she was living someone else’s definition of a meaningful life. It took a near-fatal car accident on a high-profile Senate campaign trail to shatter her trajectory, forcing her to question the identity she had built and the loyalty that kept her tied to it.

Told through short, engaging vignettes, this memoir traces Thompson’s journey from political ambition to profound personal transformation.

The Plot: From Capitol Hill to Down Under

The narrative opens on February 14, 2023. Jen is attending an outdoor screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney, Australia, reflecting on a tumultuous year. She has been sued and slandered on the front pages of newspapers, cheated on, lied to, and nearly killed in a car crash.

After running a successful political campaign to elect Congressman Jim Talent to the U.S. Senate representing Missouri, she put as much distance as possible between herself and Washington by escaping to Australia. There, she finally felt free. Turning down numerous high-level job offers, her Republican peers thought she was crazy. What she couldn’t tell them was that her core political views had fundamentally shifted. The people she once worked alongside were now dominating the headlines, and new acquaintances in Australia were stunned to learn about her past.

From there, Thompson shares her life story:

  • Childhood Foundations: Growing up in a Christian Scientist family and facing her father’s demand at age 11 to lay out a twenty-year career plan.
  • The DC Pressure Cooker: Recounting the brutal stress of her years as a political strategist and how those struggles opened her eyes to a world she had never envisioned.
  • A New Path: Committing to living a life of truth and personal freedom, regardless of the cost.

Table of Contents

Part I: Wired

  • Chapter 1: Time Bomb: Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Boom
  • Chapter 2: Becoming Wired
  • Chapter 3: The Monster Unleashed
  • Chapter 4: Truths
  • Chapter 5: Gravity
  • Chapter 6: Becoming Unwired
  • Chapter 7: After the Caribbean
  • Chapter 8: Chasing the Boar Part I
  • Chapter 9: Chasing the Boar Part II
  • Chapter 10: Healing
  • Chapter 11: Last Two Months of the Campaign
  • Chapter 12: The Election

Part II: Rewired

  • Chapter 13: Alternative Endings
  • Chapter 14: White Privilege
  • Chapter 15: Consequences
  • Chapter 16: Love

Book Review

Jen Thompson delivers a candid look at the high-stakes world of American politics and the terrifying cost of living an inauthentic life. In walking away from her career, Thompson illustrates that genuine evolution—aside from being uncomfortable—can often be isolating. Yet, her journey toward healing proves that dismantling an old life is a necessary step toward true freedom. Especially memorable is her willingness to examine her past without protecting her ego.

Chapter Highlights

  • Chapter 2: Thompson recounts the happiest day of her life: her first day working for Congressman Jim Talent on Capitol Hill. She describes growing increasingly driven, working over 80 hours a week through holidays. Yet, when left alone, she became consumed by a fear of failure:

“My fears grew into a raging monster that roared with an unstoppable push to succeed.”

  • Chapter 6: The turning point arrives with a horrific car accident on her way to Springfield. Though the vehicle was left unrecognizable, she survived—and in the quiet shock of the aftermath, clarity struck:

“That very moment is suspended in time as the one when my life began to change.”

Core Themes & Final Verdict

The vignettes move with unflinching honesty and sharp wit through a non-linear format. Central to the narrative is an exploration of blind loyalty and the seductive, destructive desire to belong. Her story also examines the themes of identity, transform tion, and liberation and the uncomfortable process of confronting the beliefs that once defined us. Thompson examines how institutional validation can quiet our intuition, compelling us to trade internal truth for external applause.

Overall, Wild Pivot is a compelling memoir about what happens when success no longer feels like success. It’s a story about choosing truth over approval and discovering that sometimes the most courageous pivot is the one that leads back to yourself. It stands as a powerful testament to the courage required to rewrite your story—no matter the price. Readers who enjoy insightful, deeply human memoirs will find this one hard to put down.

“In the stillness, it occurs to me that meaning can only come by way of wholeness, and wholeness, it must be said, does not come easily.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Jen Thompson is a former high-powered Republican strategist and congressional lawyer who famously walked away from Washington at the peak of her career. She managed the nationally watched 2002 campaign that tipped the divided U.S. Senate back to Republican control, overcoming a massive deficit by orchestrating high-profile events with the President of the United States. Alongside her political work, she served as a lawyer-lobbyist at top international law firms and spent eight years as a chief political commentator for NBC and ABC news affiliates in Richmond, Virginia.

** Thank you to Fauzia Burke and FSB Associates for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Celebrate at Tenfold Rooftop: Anniversary Party & Social Sundays in San Antonio

Tenfold Rooftop to bring Amalfi Coast to San Antonio for two-year anniversary party. Photo: Garrett Smith, used with permission.

Celebrate late summer in style: Amalfi Coast party and Social Sundays at Tenfold Rooftop

Looking for the ultimate downtown vibe to close out your summer? Tenfold Rooftop, located at the Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk, is celebrating two years of elevated rooftop experiences. (Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2026)

From an Italian coastal anniversary bash to weekly poolside happy hours, here is everything happening high above the Alamo City this month.

Two-Year Anniversary Party: Amalfi Coast Takeover

Step onto the tenth floor and into an Italian coastal escape. Tenfold Rooftop is marking its second anniversary with a free, high-energy party inspired by the shores of Amalfi.

  • When: Saturday, August 29 | 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Admission: Free (Reserve tickets on Eventbrite)
  • Dress Code: Beachy linen attire encouraged

Event Highlights

  • Live Music & Dancing: A live DJ spinning Italian house beats all night long with a spacious dance floor.
  • Tastings & Custom Drinks: LALO Tequila tastings featuring anniversary cocktails like the “Ten Times Better” (LALO Tequila, coconut, pineapple, and lime), plus custom cocktail printing.
  • Photo Ops & Vibes: A photo booth, a Tenfold-branded Go-Bo, and sweeping views of downtown San Antonio.

☀️ Social Sundays: The Ultimate Poolside Happy Hour

Make the most of the last days of summer every weekend. Social Sundays bring relaxing pool vibes, live local tunes, and discounted bites to the 10th floor.

  • When: Every Sunday in August | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Pool Day Passes: $25 (Available via ResortPass)
  • Entertainment: Live music from local favorite DJ Rilan Quinones

Featured Happy Hour Specials

  • $10 Select Cocktails: Refreshed with items like frozen margaritas.
  • $6 Beers: Crisp, cold options to beat the heat.
  • Zero-Proof Hydration: Vitality Shots and seasonal agua frescas.
  • Shareable Light Bites: Crowd favorites like sliders, chips, and guacamole.

📍 Event Location & Details

Tenfold Rooftop at Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk
431 S. Alamo St.
San Antonio, Texas 78205

About Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, pioneered the boutique hotel concept in 1981. With over 75 hotels and 100+ restaurants, bars, and lounges globally, Kimpton creates meaningful, unscripted, and personal guest experiences anchored in inspiring design and forward-thinking culinary flavors.

Photo: Tenfold Rooftop

The Future of Music Ownership: Inside Paul ‘PK’ Kemsley’s New AI Music Company

Artist Included launches artist-first AI music company focused on creator ownership and ethical re-recordings. Photo: Artist Included, used with permission.

A New Era for Iconic Music: Artist Included Launches Ethical AI Platform with Re-Recorded Culture Club Classic

A new artist-first music and technology company, Artist Included, has officially launched with a mission to help iconic artists reclaim creative participation, ownership, and long-term value in their music. Co-founded by entrepreneur Paul “PK” Kemsley and entertainment attorney and film producer Jeremy Rosen, the company uses ethical, artist-approved voice AI to create a new model for legendary acts to reimagine classic recordings and own new master tracks for today’s market. (Miller PR, 2026)

Celebrating a Legend: A New Take on “Karma Chameleon”

To mark its debut, and coincide with Boy George’s 65th birthday, Artist Included partnered with BMG to release a fresh recording of Culture Club’s iconic hit, “Karma Chameleon.”

“Revisiting ‘Karma Chameleon’ in this way was emotional and creatively inspiring. The goal was never to replace the original — it was to celebrate it and let the song keep evolving for new audiences.”

— Boy George

Clarification on the tech: This is not a synthetic AI track. Boy George recorded brand-new vocals in the studio. Ethical technology was used solely to support and enhance the final master, ensuring the technology serves the creator rather than replacing them.

Unlocking Value Across the Board

The “Karma Chameleon” release is the first of many planned projects spanning catalog artists from the 1960s through the 2000s. Artist Included helps creators unlock revenue streams that historically bypassed them, including:

  • Digital & Physical Formats: Streaming platforms, exclusive vinyl releases, foreign-language versions, remixes, tokenization, and Dolby Atmos.
  • Media & Sync Licensing: Film, TV, advertising, gaming, and trailerized formats.
  • Direct Engagement: Brand partnerships, sponsorships, and direct-to-fan campaigns.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

The company’s ethos centers on flipping traditional music economics back in favor of the original creators.

  • Paul “PK” Kemsley, Co-Founder & CEO:

“For decades, artists created the soundtrack to our lives while much of the long-term value moved away from the original creators. Artist Included was built to help reverse that dynamic. This is not about replacing artists or exploiting old catalogs — it is about helping artists create new ones. Used responsibly, AI can become one of the most powerful creative tools the music industry has ever seen.”

  • Jeremy Rosen, Co-Founder:

“The future of AI in music must put artists at the center — creatively, ethically, and economically. Artist Included is building a model where artists control and participate directly in the future value created from their music, voice, brand, and legacy. All ego aside, we are shifting the narrative from piracy to partnership; a timely AI reframe.”

Heavyweights Backing the Movement

Artist Included has built a powerful network of entertainment veterans, technology partners, and prominent investors to support its scale:

CategoryPartner / Key Executive
Board LeadershipRobert Earl (Founder of Planet Hollywood) as Chairman of the Board.
Technology PartnerSyntiant (Developed the artist-approved vocal AI platform powering the recordings).
Strategic InvestorsMike Walsh (Uber/Salesforce seed investor), Doug Raetz (Co-President, Cresset Sports & Entertainment), and Red Light Management.
Executive LeadershipKurt Busch (Syntiant CEO), Antony Antoniou (Capital Strategy), Rob Guthrie (Music Publishing Exec), and Patryk Strojny (Former McKinsey Exec).

Looking Ahead

At a moment when AI is reshaping the global landscape, Artist Included offers a transparent, consent-first alternative built on full rights clearance and shared economics. Additional artist partnerships, new releases, and strategic announcements will be unveiled in the coming months.

Photo: Artist Included

Pullman Market August Highlights: Pizza Collabs, Ceviche Tastings & Mariachi Nights

There’s plenty of activities going on at Pullman Market this month. Photo: Robert Lerma, used with permission.

What’s Baking at Pullman Market This August: Scratch Pastries, Special Collabs, and More

While most grocery store bakeries rely on frozen dough and centralized production, Pullman Market at Pearl has built something entirely different: a true scratch bakery where every loaf, pastry, cake, and frozen treat is made in-house using local heritage grains, Texas dairy, and an approach that prioritizes craftsmanship over convenience. (Pullman Market, 2026)

Throughout the month of August, Pullman Market is highlighting its bakery program with special offers and samplings—but the story goes well beyond fresh bread.

Why Pullman’s Bakery Stands Apart

  • A True Scratch Bakery: Nearly everything begins from scratch each day. Every bread dough is mixed, fermented, and baked in-house using local heritage grains and flours. Cakes, frostings, fillings, and pastries are all made onsite, with bakers working throughout the day so guests always catch fresh products coming straight out of the oven.
  • Heritage Grains with Texas Flavors: The bakery celebrates historic grains that helped shape Texas food traditions. Breads feature local heritage flours, flour tortillas are made with White Sonora (one of the first grains used for flour tortillas in the Southwest), and fresh pasta is crafted with heritage grain Durum or Barton Springs Mill Flour.
  • Thoughtful Sustainability: Sustainability is baked into every step. Bread is sold fresh on day one, sliced and bagged on day two, and transformed into croutons, kvass, or bread pudding on day three for a near zero-waste program. Excess seasonal fruit gets a second life as house-made sorbets and freeze-dried toppings, while the ice cream itself is crafted in-house using local Texas dairy.

August Bakery Special: Sample bakery favorites all month long, including sourdough, cookies, and seasonal specialties. Plus, members who purchase any loaf of Pullman bread and pre-packaged pasta will receive a complimentary two-pack of cookies.

August Events Calendar

EventDate & TimeDetails & Pricing
Fife & Farro x Southerleigh Pizza CollabAug 1–31A special wood-fired pizza collab with Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery. 5% of proceeds benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Reservations on OpenTable.
Mariscos y MezquiteSunday, Aug 23Unlimited chef-driven ceviche tastings from Mezquite, Miles, Leche de Tigre, (a)mar, and Ladino, plus a live whole tuna breakdown by Bluefiná. $55/person (includes welcome cocktail). Tickets on OpenTable.
Southerleigh Collab DinnerThursday, Aug 27A one-night-only dinner featuring exclusive specialty dishes from Fife & Farro and Southerleigh. 5% of proceeds benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Reservations on OpenTable.

Ongoing Weekly Programming

  • Pizza-Making Class at Fife & Farro | Mondays & Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Learn to make traditional Italian pizza from scratch. Great for date night or a family outing. Tickets: $30 Adults | $20 Kids (OpenTable)
  • Ceviche-Making Experience | Tuesdays at 5:00 PM – Master the art of interactive ceviche preparation with Pullman’s culinary team. Tickets: $25 per person | Optional wine pairing +$10 (OpenTable)
  • Guac & Mezcal Nights at Mezquite | Sundays & Wednesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – A guided guacamole-making class paired with a curated artisanal Mezcal tasting. Tickets: $35 per person (OpenTable)
  • Mariachi Nights at the Mezcaleria | Every Thursday – Kick off the evening with Happy Hour from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, tequila tastings starting at 6:00 PM, and live mariachi music at 7:00 PM.

Visit Pullman Market

📍 221 Newell Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78215

Book Review: ‘Mexican Gothic’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – 1950s Gothic Horror

‘Mexican Gothic’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Synopsis

Set in 1950s Mexico, the novel follows Noemí Taboada, a glamorous socialite whose life mostly consists of high-society parties and leisure. That changes overnight when her father summons her to his office after receiving a frantic, disturbing letter from Noemí’s newly-wed cousin, Catalina. Begging for someone to save her from a “mysterious doom,” Catalina writes about hearing voices in the walls and seems consumed by paranoia. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

Striking a deal with her father, investigate Catalina’s situation in exchange for his blessing to attend college for anthropology, Noemí strikes out for High Place, a isolated mansion tucked away in the Mexican countryside.

Noemí is an unlikely rescuer. Her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are better suited for cocktail lounges than amateur sleuthing. However, beneath her polished exterior lies a sharp mind and an indomitable will. She isn’t easily intimidated:

  • Not of Virgil: Catalina’s new husband, a handsome Englishman who is as menacing as he is alluring.
  • Not of Howard: The family’s ancient patriarch, who harbors a bizarre, unsettling fascination with Noemí.
  • Not of High Place itself: Even as the decaying mansion invades her dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her sole ally in this inhospitable home is Francis, the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, Francis wants to help Noemí, but he may also be guarding dark secrets about his family’s past. Behind High Place’s walls lie stories of violence, madness, and a faded silver mining empire built on exploitation. What begins as a family rescue mission quickly devolves into a desperate fight to escape a terrifying, addictive nightmare.

Review

Mexican Gothic brilliantly reinvents classic Gothic horror by fusing familiar tropes, such as dilapidated mansions, tyrannical patriarchs, and psychological dread, with a rich, atmospheric 1950s Mexican backdrop. As Noemí steps into High Place, she enters a living nightmare built on physical isolation and lingering colonial rot.

High Place itself functions as its own character. Its decaying walls and disturbing dreamscapes create an oppressive, suffocating sense of dread. Moreno-Garcia seamlessly weaves traditional horror elements with Mexican history and sharp social commentary.

The narrative unfolds at a steady, deliberate pace, escalating the tension with every chapter and every deeply unsettling secret Noemí unearths. The author balances this high tension with beautifully poetic prose:

“Everything in High Place was gnarled and begrimed, but he’d been able to grow bright and mindful, like an odd plant that is carried onto the wrong flower bed.”

Character Dynamics

  • Noemí Taboada: Far from a helpless damsel in distress, Noemí’s party-girl facade conceals a fierce intellect and resilience. Her absolute refusal to break or submit to High Place makes her an incredible protagonist.
  • Francis Doyle: Soft-spoken and gentle, Francis offers a stark contrast to his sinister family. His inner conflict between familial loyalty and moral action makes him Noemí’s only true ally.
  • Howard Doyle: The ancient patriarch embodies predatory control, obsessively driven by ideas of genetic purity and bodily exploitation.

Core Themes

  • Colonialism & Exploitation: The Doyle family’s faded mining empire reveals how foreign powers drain local resources and labor, framing historical exploitation as a literal, invasive threat to the body.
  • Autonomy vs. Control: Patriarchal domination and eugenics clash directly with Noemí’s fiercely guarded independence.

A Note on the Audiobook:

While the story itself was deeply entertaining, I found the audiobook narration disappointing. The delivery felt robotic and AI-like, complete with awkward pauses and mispronunciations of Spanish names. I only kept listening because I was so hooked on finding out how the plot ended.

Final Verdict

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a haunting, visually atmospheric tale where the greatest horrors stem not just from supernatural forces, but from human greed and tyranny. It proves that gothic horror can be both frightening and deeply thought-provoking. Readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries, strong female leads, and dark family secrets should immediately add this to their reading list.

“She had experience dealing with irritating men. They did not fluster her. She had learned, by navigating cocktail parties and meals at restaurants, that showing any kind of reaction to their crude remarks emboldened them.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a Mexican-Canadian novelist, short story writer, editor, and publisher. She is the author of The Bewitching, Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, and many other acclaimed books. Her work has earned her the Locus, British Fantasy, and World Fantasy awards. She holds an MA in Science and Technology Studies from the University of British Columbia.

The Neuroscience of Leadership: How Emotional Intelligence Transforms Adversity

‘Alchemy of Adversity’ is the new leadership book by Sarah Staley. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: Alchemy of Adversity: How Emotional Intelligence Transforms Trauma into Leadership Strength

By Sarah Staley

At some point, every leader will face adversity. It may arrive as personal loss, professional disruption, organizational crisis, burnout, or collective uncertainty. However it appears, adversity reshapes identity, alters decision-making, and tests the stability of those responsible for guiding others. (Amazon, 2026)

The question is not whether hardship will intersect with your leadership—it is whether you will be prepared for what it exposes.

Synopsis

In Alchemy of Adversity, Sarah Staley explores how trauma and high stress affect the brain, fragment internal stability, and quietly influence how leaders show up under pressure. Drawing from neuroscience, emotional intelligence research, and lived leadership experience, she reveals why resilience is often misunderstood.

True strength is not about pushing through. It is about integration, the disciplined process of turning toward disruption, regulating under stress, and rebuilding from clarity rather than reactivity.

This book offers practical frameworks to help leaders:

  • Recognize hidden fragmentation before it impacts performance
  • Strengthen emotional regulation under extreme pressure
  • Rebuild trust across teams following a crisis
  • Guide organizations through adversity without burning out in the process

In a world marked by volatility, burnout, and collective strain, leadership can no longer rely on endurance alone. It requires self-awareness, steadiness, and the capacity to transform hardship into strategic strength.

If you lead people, this is not optional work. It is foundational.

Adversity is inevitable. Whether it weakens your leadership or refines it is not.

About the Author

Sarah Staley is a human resources and organizational development leader, executive coach, and leadership development practitioner whose work sits at the intersection of individual behavior and organizational systems. Her perspective on leadership is shaped by years of working closely with leaders at all levels, supporting personal growth while navigating the realities of performance, culture, and change inside complex organizations.

Sarah’s experience spans both the human and structural sides of leadership. She has partnered with leaders and teams through organizational change, cultural shifts, leadership development initiatives, and moments of uncertainty where trust, clarity, and emotional steadiness matter most. Her work reflects a deep understanding of how leadership decisions ripple through people, teams, and systems over time.

Through her work in HR, organizational development, and executive coaching, Sarah continues to support leaders who want to lead the whole person while building cultures where accountability, performance, and wellbeing coexist.

Post-WWI Trauma Meets Classic Detective Noir: ‘No Saints Only Killers’ Review

‘No Saints Only Killers’ by Luke Deckard is 1920s post-war nor at its finest. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Book Review: No Saints Only Killers by Luke Deckard

Part of Paste Creative Book Tours

The Story

Logan Bishop is an American war-damaged private investigator living in London in 1922. On a cold Monday morning, he returns to his modest home to find a postcard in the mail from his estranged father, Reverend Daniel Bishop of Chicago. He’s in town and needs to meet up with Logan to talk about important matters.

Logan hasn’t heard from him in over a decade, and for good reason. Daniel was abusive to Logan throughout his childhood and Logan equates contacting him with being back at war. Reluctantly, he calls the hotel room. Daniel sounds desperate and paranoid, pleading for Logan’s help with an urgent matter. But before he can explain, the line goes dead after what sounds like a violent confrontation.

Before slipping into a coma, Daniel leaves Logan with a desperate plea: find Greta Matas, a woman tied to his past, before she’s killed.

Logan heads to Edinburgh in search of answers, but from the moment he arrives, nothing adds up:

  • Greta is missing.
  • Her son is wanted for murder and on the run.
  • Logan is being watched—by the police, by gangsters, and by men who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

As Logan encounters police officers, gangsters, and dangerous secrets, his investigation becomes both a hunt for the truth and a search for personal redemption… provided he doesn’t end up dead first.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

Get your copy of ‘No Saints Only Killers’ today!

Review

Set against the backdrop of 1922 London and Edinburgh, No Saints Only Killers delivers a sharp and atmospheric slice of post-World War I noir. The novel follows Logan Bishop as he is forced out of his isolated routines by the brutal attack on his estranged father, launching him into a deadly, fog-shrouded investigation to find a missing woman from his father’s past.

Character Analysis

Logan Bishop is a complex and deeply flawed protagonist who embodies classic hardboiled detective tropes while remaining grounded and human. As a former military sniper struggling with severe shell shock and a crippling morphine addiction, Logan’s willingness to pursue the mysterious Greta Matas reveals a stubborn sense of loyalty beneath his damaged exterior. His troubled relationship with his father gives the story personal stakes, driving Logan into dangerous territory despite his instincts to stay hidden.

Core Themes

  • Trauma and Disillusionment: The shadow of the Great War hangs over every chapter, illustrating the psychological scars left on a generation trying to numb their pain in the early years of the Jazz Age.
  • Systemic Corruption: The narrative explores the dark underbelly of 1920s Britain, exposing a world where institutions offer no salvation and power rests in the hands of ruthlessly corrupt forces.
  • Moral Ambiguity: True to its title, the novel demonstrates that in a broken society, absolute virtue is an illusion and everyone is navigating varying shades of grey.

“‘You want compassion?’ I wanted to laugh. ‘There are no saints in this world, only killers.’”

Style & Tone

In true noir fashion, the story is told entirely through Logan’s first-person perspective. It’s fast-paced, easy to read, and packed with plot twists around every corner. The prose balances gritty edge with vivid, poetic language:

“Two teardrops landed on the table and exploded. I crushed my eyes shut and inhaled as I pushed Tim and the hate I had for myself to the back of my mind.”

Final Verdict

Overall, No Saints Only Killers by Luke Deckard expertly combines historical mystery and postwar trauma, successfully transplanting gritty American noir into 1920s Britain. With its complex protagonist, high stakes, and dark atmosphere, readers who enjoy historical crime fiction and hard-boiled detectives will find this one hard to put down.

“Maybe I was a sucker for her pretty face. Maybe my motivation was shallow. I don’t know. I wanted to believe her. I also wanted to believe that maybe there was something between us, which possibly made me ignorant, or foolish.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

About the Author

Luke Deckard is the author of No Saints Only Killers, which was shortlisted for the Amazon New Voices Awards and a finalist at Bloody Scotland’s Pitch Perfect. He is the co-host of the CINEMA SLEUTHS podcast, a reviewer for Get Your Comic On, and a creative writing mentor at the University of Westminster.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

**Thank you to Stephanie Caruso, Paste Creative Book Tours, and Luke Deckard for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

The Judy Blume Adaptation Comes Home: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Digital Release Guide

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will be available on 4K and digital release on August 25. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Heads to 4K & Digital This August

Great news for movie lovers and Judy Blume fans alike: Lionsgate has announced the 4K + Digital release of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. on August 25. (EG PR, 2026)

Whether you’re revisiting a favorite story or discovering it for the first time, this acclaimed coming-of-age comedy-drama is ready to join your digital home library.

🎬 The Movie

Synopsis

In this adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic novel, 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey, navigating the tumultuous throes of puberty alongside new friends in a new school.

She relies on her mom (Rachel McAdams), who is also adjusting to life outside the big city, and her loving, vibrant grandmother (Kathy Bates). A timeless coming-of-age story, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. sparkles with humor while tackling life’s biggest questions.

“Margaret sparkles with humor while exploring life’s biggest questions.”

Movie Details

AttributeDetails
GenreComedy, Drama
RatingPG-13
Release DateAugust 25 (Lionsgate 4K + Digital)
Running Time105 minutes
CastRachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham, Benny Safdie, Kathy Bates
Directed byKelly Fremon Craig
Written byKelly Fremon Craig (based on the book by Judy Blume)
Produced byJames L. Brooks, Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, Kelly Fremon Craig, Judy Blume

Where to Stream & Watch

Available on major digital platforms, including:

  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Apple TV
  • Fandango
  • Google Play
  • YouTube

📀 4K + Digital Technical Specs & Special Features

  • Format: 16×9 (1.85:1) Presentation
  • Audio: English Dolby Atmos; Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English Descriptive Audio
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Exclusive Special Features:

  • Finally That Time: Making Margaret
  • Are You There Margaret? It’s Me, Judy
  • The Secret Crew Club: Margaret and Friends
  • Bringing the Period to Life: Designing Margaret
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Key West Roundtable
  • From Book to Screen: Margaret Comes To Life
  • Bras, Bellbottoms, and Bikinis: Creating Costumes
  • Judy Reads Margaret
  • Theatrical Trailer
Photo: Lionsgate

📚 The Classic Novel

Book Synopsis

Margaret Simon, almost twelve, likes long hair, tuna fish, the smell of rain, and things that are pink. She’s just moved from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey, and is anxious to fit in with her new friends—Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. When they form a secret club to talk about private subjects like boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret is happy to belong. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

But none of them can believe Margaret doesn’t have religion, and that she isn’t going to the Y or the Jewish Community Center. What they don’t know is Margaret has her own very special relationship with God. She can talk to God about everything—family, friends, even Moose Freed, her secret crush.

Margaret is funny, real, and relatable. As you read her story, you’ll know why this book has been a beloved favorite for generations of readers.

About the Author: Judy Blume

Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places, doing the exact same thing, but writing them down on paper.

With over 75 million copies of her books sold across 26 languages, Blume is the celebrated author behind classics like Superfudge, Blubber, Forever, Wifey, and Summer Sisters. She holds a B.S. in Education from New York University and was honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement by the American Library Association.

Catch Texas Soul, Blues & Stand-Up Live at Paper Tiger’s ‘La Noche del Tigre’

The new live music and comedy series ‘La Noche del Tigre’ is coming to Paper Tiger. Photo: The Krishna Company, used with permission.

🎸 Live Music & Comedy Collide: Announcing ‘La Noche del Tigre’ at Paper Tiger

San Antonio, get ready! The Krishna Company is proud to present the launch of La Noche del Tigre, a brand-new live music and comedy series bringing high-energy performances to Texas. (The Krishna Company, 2026)

The inaugural show lands at the iconic Paper Tiger in San Antonio, featuring a stacked lineup of six Texas and nationally acclaimed musical acts alongside two powerhouse stand-up comedians.

Whether you’re in it for the soulful Texas vocals, heavy rock riffs, or non-stop laughs, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

📅 Event Details & Tickets

  • When: Thursday, August 20, 2026
  • Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM | Show starts at 7:00 PM
  • Where: Paper Tiger — 2410 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • Tickets: $25 Advance | $30 Day-of (At the door)

🎤 The Lineup

Featured Music Acts

Tameca Jones

A long-time favorite in San Antonio, Texas soul singer and songwriter Tameca Jones has shared stages with heavy hitters like The Black Pumas, Gary Clark Jr., Leon Bridges, and Willie Nelson. You might recognize her emotive single “Sandman” from Hulu’s Black Cake, or her Adele-influenced single “So Gone” off her highly anticipated debut album, Plants & Pills (2024). Tameca is currently working on her follow-up album, slated for 2027.

Blackillac

Voted Austin Music Award’s “Best Hip Hop/Rap 2020,” this southern duo is making serious waves. Formed in 2018 by rappers ZEALE and Phranchyze under the guidance and production of 4x Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr., Blackillac built their roots in Willie Nelson’s historic Arlyn Studios. Releasing new tracks monthly, the duo is getting ready to drop their debut album featuring long-awaited collaborations with Clark Jr.

Eric Tessmer

Dubbed the “Best Guitarist in Austin” by The Austin Chronicle and a “working-class guitar hero” by the Austin American-Statesman, Tessmer is an Austin-based blues force. Inspired by Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, his sound is dark, moody, and packed with an edgy guitar virtuosity you have to hear live.

SANA SANA

SANA SANA is a cross-cultural musical experience formed by three artists whose lives were shaped by borders both visible and invisible. Their nostalgic, rhythm-rich sound reflects the nuance of being raised in the U.S. by Latino parents and immigrants—capturing the feeling of existing between two homes. It’s music made for anyone who lives in the “in-between.”

Abomic Toms

Hailed as Los Angeles’ bright new rising stars, rock & roll trio Abomic Toms recently opened for legends Billy Idol and Joan Jett at the LA Forum. Composed of Brandon Bernath (vocals/bass), Ashley Valentine (drums), and Willem Wolfe (guitar)—son of Billy Idol himself—the band is proving that rock-and-roll excellence runs in the family.

James Bullard

Raised in West Texas and bouncing between Austin and L.A. since 1999, James Bullard comes from a deeply musical family, performing since age five. Over the last decade, he has collaborated extensively with West Coast and Texas songwriters. Now residing in Austin, he continues to bring rich, authentic songwriting to the stage.

Featured Comedians

Nacya Marreiro

A multi-talented comedian, actress, and writer, Nacya has taken her stand-up worldwide—from NYC’s The Stand to LA’s Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store, as well as Austin’s Creek and the Cave. You can catch her 2021 YouTube comedy special or check out her lead role in the Amazon Prime comedy film “Moving Valentine.”

Chris Tellez

Known for his dark, dry wit and masterful storytelling, Chris Tellez is a comedian to watch. Recently featured on Comedy Central, Chris has performed at top festivals including Colossal Clusterfest, Moontower, and Oddball. He’s shared the stage with comedy giants like Nate Bargatze, Nick Thune, and Big Jay Oakerson.

🎟️ Don’t wait until it’s sold out! Grab your advance $25 tickets now and join us for an unforgettable inaugural night at Paper Tiger.

Special thanks to the event sponsors: Nomad Sound, Attal Recordings, Jam Comedy, and GK Ventures.