Get ready for a holiday treat as we dive into the Year-End Extravaganza on the Thriller Zone! We’re chatting about our fave holiday movies—everything from the heartwarming charm of *Elf* to the classic nostalgia of *It's a Wonderful Life*. But hey, we’ll also tackle the big question: is *Die Hard* really a Christmas movie? Spoiler alert: opinions are as divided as a fruitcake at a holiday party! We also reflect on the incredible guests we've had throughout the year, sharing laughs, insights, and a few unforgettable moments. So grab your hot cocoa, settle in, and let’s celebrate the joy of storytelling and friendship as we wrap up this year with a bang!

Takeaways:

1. The podcast dives deep into the magic of holiday movies, comparing classics like 'Elf' and 'It's a Wonderful Life' to more unconventional choices like 'Die Hard', which often sparks a light-hearted debate about what really qualifies as a Christmas movie.
2. Listeners are treated to a delightful recap of the year's top guests on the show, highlighting memorable moments and the unique stories shared by authors and creators, showcasing the podcast's commitment to celebrating literary greatness.
3. Throughout the episode, there's a strong emphasis on friendship and the connections formed through the podcast, with Dave and Tammy sharing anecdotes about their guests and reflecting on how those relationships have enriched their experience and the content they create.
4. The conversation wraps up with an engaging discussion about the upcoming projects for 2026, including exciting changes to the podcast format that promise to keep the content fresh and entertaining, making it a must-listen for fans.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. davide temple.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Scott Turow
2. Don Winslow
3. Meg Gardiner
4. Robin Cook
5. James Patterson
6. Joel Dicker
7. Marshall Karp
8. Lee Goldberg
9. Lisa Gardner
10. Kyle Mills
11. Steve Berry
12. C.J. Box
13. Emily Bessler
14. Jack Carr
15. Chris Hauty
16. David Baldacci
17. Gary Questenberry
18. Mark Gotlieb

Get ready for a captivating chat as we dive deep into the world of storytelling with the incredibly talented stage, film and television actor Richard Armitage, on the next-to-the-last episode of the World Famous Podcast, The Thriller Zone with host David Temple.

You might know him from epic roles like Thorin Oakenshield in *The Hobbit* or the chilling Francis Dolarhyde in *Hannibal*, but today we're peeling back the layers to uncover the writer behind the actor.

Richard's latest novel, *The Cut*, takes us on an intimate, psychological journey that explores the messiness of human motives and childhood memories. We’ll discuss how he balances his life in performance with his passion for writing and the surprising insights he’s gained about himself throughout this creative process.

David Temple, our charismatic host, does an excellent job of drawing out Richard's insights about the writing process, the balance between acting and writing, and the intimate details that shape his storytelling.

One standout moment occurs when Richard shares the inspiration for The Cut, sparked by a poignant encounter with a man from his past while visiting his mother’s grave. This conversation is not just about crafting a narrative; it’s a reflection on the complexities of human emotions, the impact of childhood experiences, and how they manifest in adulthood. As Richard explains, the book explores themes of shame, bullying, and the haunting memories that linger long after childhood ends.

It’s a heartfelt exploration that resonates with anyone who’s grappled with their own past, making it a compelling listen that invites introspection and connection.

So, kick back, relax, and join us for a delightful conversation filled with unexpected twists, laughter, and a whole lot of heart with actor and author Richard Armitage and his new friend, David Temple on episode #249 of The Thriller Zone.

Takeaways:

• This episode marks the end of Season 9 of The Thriller Zone, which has been quite a journey!
• Richard Armitage, known for roles in The Hobbit and Hannibal, shares his transition into writing with his novel, The Cut.
• The conversation dives into the emotional depth of storytelling and how personal experiences shape narratives.
• We explore the balance between acting and writing, discussing the unique challenges faced in both fields.
• Richard reveals that the spark for his story often comes from real-life moments and interactions with people.
• The importance of discipline in writing is emphasized, highlighting that even small time slots can lead to creativity.

Keywords: Thriller Zone podcast, Richard Armitage interview, psychological storytelling, writing and acting balance, author interviews, audiobook narration, character development in writing, creative process insights, psychological thriller novels, storytelling techniques, emotional depth in literature, acting and writing synergy, insights from successful authors, writing advice for aspiring authors, human experience in fiction, adapting books for television, character creation process, personal experiences in storytelling, themes of childhood in literature, exploring human motives in stories

Mentioned in this episode:

LITC New 12-21-25

Life In Two Columns: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else. Get it now for ONLY $.99 in ebook or $9.99 in paperback on Amazon, and you can get in audiobook, read by me, for only $10.99 at DavideTemple.com

LITC New 12-21-25

Life In Two Columns: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else. Get it now for ONLY $.99 in ebook or $9.99 in paperback on Amazon, and you can get in audiobook, read by me, for only $10.99 at DavideTemple.com

On today's 248th episode of The Thriller Zone Podcast, join me, Dave Temple, as I chat (aka geek out) with the legendary Robin Cook, who's been whipping up medical thrillers for decades.

Trust me, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights! We dive right into his latest gem, "Spasm," which has hit store shelves and tackles some seriously intriguing themes around health and medicine.

Robin shares his journey from writing "Coma" while hustling through medical residency to becoming a household name with 42 bestsellers under his belt. We also get a peek into his creative process, as he humorously reveals how he keeps his writing fresh and engaging despite the ever-evolving landscape of the publishing world.

So, grab a snack, kick back, and join us for this lively, laughter-filled exploration of storytelling and the medical mysteries that keep us on the edge of our seats with the legendary master of medical thrillers, Robin Cook.

Be sure to visit: RobinCook.com, TheThrillerZone.com and DavideTemple.com.

Takeaways:

• This episode marks a milestone as we approach 250 episodes of the Thriller Zone podcast, isn't that wild?
• David Temple shares his excitement about interviewing Robin Cook, a legendary thriller author who has shaped the genre since the 70s.
• Cook discusses the integral role of lifestyle in health and how it influenced his writing of medical thrillers over the years.
• The conversation dives deep into how societal fears, like those portrayed in 'Jaws', drive the suspense in Cook's novels, making them relatable and terrifying.
• They also touch upon the challenges of writing during shifts in the publishing industry and how Cook adapts while maintaining his unique voice.
• Finally, the episode wraps with Cook sharing his writing advice, emphasizing the importance of having a dedicated space for creativity that fosters focus and inspiration.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Michael Crichton
• RobinCook.com
• New York Times

KEYWORDS - thriller podcast, Robin Cook interview, medical thriller author, New York Times bestseller, writing advice, thriller writing tips, author interviews, health and wellness, writing process, medical fiction, storytelling techniques, character development, suspense novels, book recommendations, thriller genre insights, popular thriller authors, David Temple podcast, podcast episodes about writing, publishing industry trends, creative writing strategies

Mentioned in this episode:

LITC New 12-21-25

Life In Two Columns: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else. Get it now for ONLY $.99 in ebook or $9.99 in paperback on Amazon, and you can get in audiobook, read by me, for only $10.99 at DavideTemple.com

LITC New 12-21-25

Life In Two Columns: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else. Get it now for ONLY $.99 in ebook or $9.99 in paperback on Amazon, and you can get in audiobook, read by me, for only $10.99 at DavideTemple.com

Life In Two Columns Ad - Deadpool