On today's Naked Monday, I want you to meet a special guest; someone I’ve known a long time. Sean O’Rourke is an entrepreneur, a Finance and Cyber Liability Specialist for Combs & Company, a tech nerd, an avid reader, an even more avid Batman fan, a fitness coach, a husband (to Susan), and someone I can call good friend. The reason he’s on today’s show is because I couldn’t think of anyone better who would bring their "A- game", as he and I dig into a topic we both share a passion for: Movies. So, on today's show, Sean and I will share our Top 10 Favorite Movies.

Here are Sean's Top 10:

10: The 7th Seal

9: All The President's Men

8: The Towering Inferno

7: Anything by Mel Brooks (not exactly by the rules, but I'll allow it)

6: LA Confidential

5: Casablanca

4: Anything by Eddie Murphy (see above)

3: The Dark Knight

2: 12 Angry Men

1: Raiders of the Lost Ark

David's Top 10:

10: Den of Thieves, Directed by Christian Gudegast

9: Alien, Directed by Ridley Scott

8: Dirty Harry, Directed by Don Siegal

7: Inception, Directed by Christopher Nolan

6: Bourne Identity, Directed by Doug Liman

5: Heat, Directed by Michael Mann

4: Jaws, Directed by Stephen Spielberg

3: The Godfather, Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

2: All the President's Men, Directed by Alan Pakula

1: Field of Dreams, Directed by Phil Robinson

As you'll notice, I included the films' Directors, as I'm such an admirer of their work. And yes, we know there are many, many better films out there; however, these were our Top 10 at the time. As you can imagine, they'll change from time to time.

Want to jump in the game and offer your Top 10; heck, how about Top 3? See; it's not as easy as it looks.

Learn more about my other podcast, The Thriller Zone, and how it will soon be going video at: https://DavidTempleBooks.com. Follow on Twitter @davetemple and Instagram @thethrillerzone

SHOW LESS

Eric Bishop grew up in Connecticut, has lived in the Rockies and the Pacific Northwest, then ended up settling he and his family in South Carolina.

He began his writing career around 2014, and while The Body Man is his fourth completed novel, he's spent a great deal of time honing his writing craft with novellas, blog posts, while working and reworking his debut novel which we all hope will put him on the map.

On today's podcast, I'm stoked to have Eric talk about WHO his protagonist is, WHERE he got the idea, HOW he is able to perform his wordsmith duties while working full time and raising children, and WHAT he thinks are some of the essential tools to becoming a successful writer.

If you know Eric, or have followed him (and his 10K-plus followers) on Twitter, then you know he's a smart, kind, and giving guy. He's also a funny dude who (inside scoop) likes to collect flags from all around the world.

Please welcome a fellow Carolinian (him: South, me: North), and a guy who today enjoys getting another debut: being interviewed for the first time as an up-and-coming novelist. Learn more at: EricPBishop.com.

The first time I met Gregory James, I felt as though I had been reunited with an old friend. We had a pint together while attending Thrillerfest 2019 in New York City; what turned out to be a highlight for both of us.

Now, a year later, and with a novel under both of our belts, we reconnect to talk about the joy of producing a story, the hard work and drive that's required to be successful, and perhaps most importantly, the passionate craft of writing that keeps us "creatives" going!

Today, I welcome Gregory James to Naked Monday to talk about his past life as a Cop, and his current career as both a Private Detective and Author.

BORDERTOWN is his first novel. 

Promising young detective Robert “Bo” Campbell is in a stack of trouble.

After accidentally shooting and killing his best friend and partner during a bungled inner city drug raid, he faces the sack or, even worse, jail. With his career and freedom hanging by a thread, he’s outcast to a remote posting on the border.

But something isn’t quite right in this frontier country. When he’s asked to cover up yet another murder on his very first day, he suspects he’s been set up to fail. But by whom?

Bo will battle for his own survival, but is he prepared to risk everything to save a community that’s already broken?

Bordertown, a debut novel set in the Australian bush, is a story of redemption, survival and determination by one man to rise against the odds and do what’s right. And a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Visit: GregoryJamesAuthor.com to learn more about his book, Bordertown, and his upcoming sequel.

My special guest today is Barbara Ann Temple, Ph.D.

"Barb" is a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, curriculum-developer, thought-shaper, and life-changer. As a web-building, chatbot-designing, long distance running athlete, she loves dogs (especially Beagles), craft beer (even NA), reading (historical fiction, please), and "Glamping" (Airstreams, of course).

She has a deep appreciation of the educational system (Let's go, Arts & Science Council). She's an advocate of those less advantaged (and works hard to change that), and is—in my honest opinion—likely one of best public speakers out there. [You know I had to get in an "em dash"]

As a partner, sibling, aunt, and friend, she has spent a lifetime creating experiences that enrich the lives of others. My favorite thing is that she's my little sister & best friend!

Barb joins the show today, not only to wish me a Happy Birthday, but to share her vast knowledge of the educational system, and provide insights of what she feels a writer should focus on in their professional journey. As you will hear on the podcast, we enjoy a good many laughs, too.

This will go down as one of my favorite episodes, because it's what Naked Monday is all about: Real conversations with creative people passionate about their craft.

Please welcome Barbara Ann!

Frank Zafiro takes his many years of military and police experience then weaves that knowledge and insight into the pages of over 30 books, including the crime fiction "River City Series," the Charlie-16 Series with Colin Conway, and much more.

Frank served as a Czechoslovak linguist in the U.S. Army, served as both a police officer and detective in the Spokane Police Department, and has served many  students while teaching law enforcement in university and in writing workshops.

In his spare time, Frank hosts the podcast Wrong Place, Write Crime, where he talks to other writers about their craft...just like we're doing here!

Kick back and dig in, it's gonna be a ride!

K.J. Howe is an award-winning author and the Executive Director of Thrillerfest, the annual conference of International Thriller Writers. A three-time Daphne du Maurier Award Winner, Kimberly is an avid traveler and the creator of the "kidnap & ransom thrillers," The Freedom Broker and her latest, Skyjack. 

Born in Toronto, and having lived in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, KJ is not only a world-traveler, but is one of the kindest, most generous, and talented people you'll ever meet.

Carve out an hour and enjoy hearing from someone who works every day to be the best writer she can be. And listen closely, as she will share invaluable secrets on how to make it in the competitive field of publishing.

Trust me, you'll walk away with insights you may not find anywhere else. 

My guests on the podcast today are none other than the prolific and uber-talented writing duo, Andrews-Wilson. It wasn't enough that both men had successful careers on their own, but after discovering a shared passion, they have found enormous success as one of the most successful writing teams of all time.

Writing about military characters, covert operations, and science & technology, these men have penned multiple covert ops and action-adventure thrillers that keep their audience coming back for more, time and again. 

You may know their Tier One Series, but that's just the beginning. Their Sons of Valor Series has just been green-lit as a three-book series, thanks to Blackstone. The Shepherds is a new faith-based action series in a three-book deal with Tyndale House; Book 1 will drop Sept. '21. And as if that's not enough, they will be writing the W.E.B. Griffin Presidential Agent Series on behalf of the Griffin Estate for Putnam. You can expect to read Rogue Asset Dec. '21.

I could go on and on, but why not stop reading and listen in. They are funny, insightful, talented and all-around good guys. Please welcome Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson.

My special guest today is Carrie Barrett, a woman of many talents. With a background in Fitness, Radio, and Standup/Sketch Comedy, her humor and inspiration embellishes the talks she gives to a variety of groups in and around her home of Austin. 

As a USA Triathlon Certified Coach, The 2019 USAT Ambassador, and an Ironman Certified Coach, Carrie is also all about fitness. 

In her "spare time," she hosts the Podcast, "I Could Never Do That," and is the producer for the podcasts, "Plant-Strong" starring Rip Esselstyn, and "Hit Play, Not Pause" starring Selene Yeager. 

Finally, Carrie is the author of the books: Headspace for the Perfect Race and Decide Your Distance/Focus on the Finish.

As you'll see, Carrie is the perfect guest for Naked Monday. Please welcome an all-around upbeat and inspiring gal, a mutual radio geek, and my new friend, Carrie Barrett!