The James Finochio Show
The James Finochio Show is a long-form conversation podcast hosted by James Finochio. Each episode, James sits down with guests who have fascinating inner lives and something real to say — exploring topics across faith, science, philosophy, culture, history, human experience, and beyond. The show's edge isn't the topic list — it's James's genuine curiosity and commitment to going deeper than the surface, every single time. If you're tired of shallow content and echo chambers, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Guest Application: https://tinyurl.com/3psz2xn7
The James Finochio Show
The Truth Behind “The Bystander” — Media, AI, and Real-World Influence (John David)
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EPISODE 27 — John David on Writing Thrillers, Media Narratives, and AI
In this episode of Across The Table, James Finochio sits down with author John David to talk about his transition from public relations into novel writing, and the real-world inspiration behind his thriller The Bystander.
John shares how a combination of personal experiences, conversations around gun rights, and a real-life incident helped shape the foundation of his story.
The conversation goes beyond writing and into bigger topics — including media narratives, the role of AI in modern work, and how storytelling is influenced by real events, bias, and perspective.
They talk about:
🏛 transitioning from a career in PR to writing fiction
📖 the inspiration and themes behind The Bystander
✍️ how novels are structured, written, and edited
🎭 building realistic characters with flaws and depth
📰 media influence and how narratives are shaped
🤖 the benefits and risks of using AI in writing and research
📚 the challenges of publishing and promoting a book today
🎯 why real-life experiences often shape the best stories
John also shares insights into the publishing world, the importance of having a strong editor, and what it actually takes to go from an idea to a finished novel.
If you're interested in writing, media, storytelling, or how real-world events influence fiction, this is a conversation worth listening to.
👤 Guest Info — John David
🌐 Explore John’s work, books, and updates
https://byjohndavid.substack.com/
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If you enjoyed this conversation, consider following the podcast, sharing it, or sending it to someone who’s interested in writing, media, or storytelling.