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Thank God It's Toby: Highlights
Michael Karolewski
Michael Karolewski is a versatile author whose journey to the realm of literature has been as diverse as the worlds he creates in his novels. With a background in Math and Economics from Northeastern University, Michael's career path has taken him through various industries, including stints at two insurance companies, a call centre, and most recently, the tech sector. However, amidst his professional endeavours, Michael harboured a lifelong dream of becoming an author, which he now fervently pursues.
Hailing from Smithfield, Rhode Island, Michael's passion for storytelling bloomed at an early age. He penned his first book, "Revenge of the World," in second grade and sold it on the playground—an early indication of his entrepreneurial spirit and literary flair. Now residing in Boston for the past decade, Michael channels his love for dogs, nature, Solitaire, and moody music into his creative process, often accompanied by the therapeutic challenge of jigsaw puzzles.
In Autumn 2021, Michael's debut novel, "The Soul Sector," thrust readers into the intriguing realm of Valcara, a dystopian purgatory where souls are commodities. The story follows Rose Ryder's journey as she navigates a cosmic conspiracy, blending elements of the afterlife with earthly intrigue. The success of his first venture into publishing set the stage for Michael's continued exploration of supernatural realms and complex moral dilemmas.
In his eagerly awaited sequel, "The Prophet's Debt," Michael delves deeper into Rose's adventures, weaving a tapestry of interdimensional conflicts and personal redemption. As Rose confronts new adversaries and unearths unsettling truths, readers are drawn into a world where the boundaries between life and death blur, challenging conventional notions of fate and morality.
With his distinctive blend of suspense, fantasy, and philosophical depth, Michael Karolewski invites readers to embark on a journey beyond the ordinary, where every page promises discovery and revelation. As he continues to hone his craft, Michael remains committed to captivating audiences with his unique storytelling voice and imaginative storytelling.
Highlights from Toby's Friday afternoon show on Shout Radio. Featuring chat with top showbiz guests.
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Sean Martin
14:22||Season 2025Sean Martin is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and driving force behind The Quarantined, a band renowned for its raw, unflinching sound and fearless exploration of challenging subjects. A songwriter who isn’t afraid to confront trauma, injustice, and the darker corners of the human experience, Sean brings an intensity and honesty to his music that connects deeply with listeners.Much of his writing is rooted in his own battle with PTSD, which has shaped both his perspective and his art. Songs like “Shadow,” written during a time of personal crisis, channel the weight of dread, intrusive thoughts, and sleepless nights into powerful, cathartic music. For Sean, creating is more than just making records—it’s a way of reclaiming control, pushing back against oppressive systems, and transforming pain into something that inspires resilience.On stage and in the studio, Sean delivers with unrelenting passion, blending heavy riffs, haunting melodies, and lyrics that don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. His vision for The Quarantined goes beyond just music; it’s about sparking awareness, encouraging defiance against injustice, and giving a voice to those struggling in silence.
69. Enrico
14:51||Season 2025, Ep. 69Enrico is a writer and guide dedicated to helping people rediscover the inner wisdom that leads to a life of meaning, love, and courage. His book Finding Your Compass is a powerful invitation to awaken the sacred guidance that lives within us all. Drawing on timeless teachings, including the Hermetic Principles, Enrico gently leads readers beyond fear, guilt, and blind obedience toward the deeper freedom we were born to claim. Rather than offering another rigid system, his work encourages a return to the living compass of the heart — the quiet light that connects us to the very fabric of life itself. Through his writing, Enrico speaks to all who have questioned, doubted, or hoped that something more beautiful awaits beyond the walls of fear, reminding them: we are not lost, we are remembering the way.
68. K-Town
07:19||Season 2025, Ep. 68K-Town is a rising star in the music industry who has recently signed with ROC Nation Distribution. Blending raw talent with a unique sound, K-Town is quickly making a name for himself as an artist to watch. With major backing and growing buzz, his journey is just beginning.
67. Bruce Sudano
28:52||Season 2025, Ep. 67Bruce Sudano is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose music draws deeply from a lifetime of love, heartache, struggle, and spirituality. A true New Yorker at heart, Bruce formed his first band at age 13 and was performing in clubs not long after, quickly immersing himself in the vibrant local music scene.He first made waves on the charts in 1969 with "Ball of Fire," co-written with Tommy James, followed by the 1970 hit "Tighter, Tighter" with his band Alive N Kickin’, which opened for acts like Chicago and Frank Zappa. In 1977, Bruce co-founded the band Brooklyn Dreams, which signed with Millennium Records and soon found success collaborating with Donna Summer. Together, they co-wrote the chart-topping hit “Bad Girls” and appeared on her Top 5 single “Heaven Knows.” Bruce and Donna also began a personal relationship, eventually marrying.Over the decades, Sudano has continued to evolve as a solo artist. His latest album, Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies, showcases his signature blend of soul, rhythm, and lyrical introspection. The album features the anthemic “Make The World Go Away,” produced by hitmaker Ken Lewis, and the heartfelt duet “Two Bleeding Hearts” with legendary singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson.
66. Dom Okon
05:49||Season 2025, Ep. 66Dom Okon is a musician and instrumental artist known for his unique style and catchy, feel-good tracks. Often referred to as The King of Instrumental Pop, Dom blends pop melodies with rich instrumental arrangements, creating music that's both uplifting and memorable. His work has gained attention for its ability to tell a story without words, connecting with listeners through sound alone.
65. Tristan St Reynolds
08:14||Season 2025, Ep. 65Tristan St Reynolds is an Australian-born author, actor, model, and spiritual creator. He's best known for his intuitive work, including the Cryptid Whispers Oracle Deck and Cryptid Whispers – The Book. Tristan has appeared on the cover of several publications and regularly shares his insights as an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine.
64. The One
04:00||Season 2025, Ep. 64The One is back with a brand new track, Party 444 U—a feel-good anthem made for letting loose and having fun. Known for catchy hooks and big energy, The One keeps the vibe high and the party going strong.
63. DYLN NOT DVPO
10:24||Season 2025, Ep. 63DYLN NOT DVPO is an artist with a unique vision and a story to tell. Formerly known as Dapo, he’s gearing up to drop a deeply personal and ambitious concept album on May 19th. The two-disc project follows a creative storyline where his former self, Dapo, has gone missing, leaving behind voicemails and random videos.Disc one dives into the emotional weight of real-life struggles, stress, and self-doubt, while constantly hinting at a recurring dream of stardom. Disc two picks up in a totally different headspace, flipping the tone from vulnerable and raw to confident and triumphant, representing what it looks like when those dreams finally come true.The lead single “MISSING” sets the tone for the whole rollout and is the main track DYLN is pushing right now. With this project, he’s not just making music—he’s telling a full story, and he’s excited to share it with people who appreciate depth, creativity, and realness.
62. Aaron Bennett
07:50||Season 2025, Ep. 62Aaron Bennett is the founder of Shout Radio, a station that began 12 years ago as a fun side project and has since grown into a full-fledged professional broadcaster. Starting with nothing more than a few records, a mic, and some dodgy jokes, Aaron has steered the station through the ups and downs of running a media outlet — from technical hiccups to major milestones.His passion for radio and natural talent for engaging an audience helped shape Shout Radio’s unique identity. Aaron believes strongly in the power of broadcasting to entertain, inform, and connect people, and he’s spent years developing the station into something he's proud to stand behind.Now celebrating more than twelve years on air, Aaron continues to push the station forward with a focus on quality output, great music, and fresh content — all delivered with a healthy dose of humour and personality.