Author: Dennis Page 1 of 178

The Slaughterville 13: A Radio Play Experience

On September 25, 2025

I’ve been quietly working on something special, and I’m finally ready to talk about it. This fall, I’ll be premiering my new radio play, The Slaughterville 13, as a live listening event unlike anything I’ve done before.

Here’s the idea: imagine driving out into the country at night, pulling into a field, tuning your car radio to the right frequency, and instead of watching a movie at a drive-in, you’re listening to a chilling broadcast play unfold around you. The play is set in 1989, following the final broadcast of Chris King, a late-night radio DJ who vanishes along with a drive-in theater that, officially, never existed. Strange callers, local legends, mutilated cattle, and impossible sights spiral into a night of horror that blurs the line between reality and radio drama.

That’s the experience I want to create—like stepping into the mystery itself. You won’t just hear the story—you’ll feel like you’re part of it, parked in the dark Oklahoma countryside as the night grows stranger by the minute.

This show takes place on October 30, October 31, and November 1. Get your tickets now at Eventbrite — the price is pay what you can, which will help fund more creative programming like this play!

Here’s a taste of what’s coming. This is a clip of a conversation between Chris King and one of his callers.

Mark your calendars. You’ll want to bring friends, flashlights, and maybe a little courage. This isn’t just a radio play—it’s a night at the drive-in you’ll never forget.

UPDATE: Tickets are now available!

Empowering Oklahoma: Deborah Moorad’s Journey from Biotech to Building Community Connections

By Dennis

On August 26, 2025

In Real

Deborah Moorad’s journey into entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in her Oklahoma upbringing and an early passion for science. As a child, she imagined herself becoming a cardiovascular surgeon, but along the way, she discovered a fascination with intellectual property, patents, and the potential of research to change lives. That shift led her into biotechnology, where she built a career advancing innovation and guiding complex projects from concept to clinical trial. From helping move a repurposed cancer drug forward at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation to later leading biotech companies through transformational growth and acquisitions, Moorad has consistently focused on turning scientific discoveries into meaningful impact. Today, as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce, she continues that mission, blending her experience with a commitment to fostering opportunity for her home state.

“Oklahoma has a community that you can’t put a price tag on,” Moorad said. “You have a community that’s willing to help you, not just with your business, but plug you in every single way. And you don’t get that somewhere else.”

From statewide organizations like the Oklahoma Venture Forum, 1 Million Cups, and The Verge to funding opportunities through the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), the state offers multiple entry points for innovators to find support. In addition to financial incentives, Oklahoma’s business-friendly environment and expanding venture capital network provide the tools for startups to grow. But what truly sets the state apart, Moorad emphasized, is the willingness of people—from investors to community leaders—to show up, make connections, and actively help businesses succeed.

“The Oklahoma Venture Forum was one of the first events I went to starting out careerwise,” Moorad said. “My boss at the time couldn’t make it, and he wanted me to go. I had no idea what I was walking into, and I got to meet a whole lot of people. It was a great experience for me.”

“For me, this has always been about how I can keep growing—growing as an individual, in my faith, and in the work I do,” Moorad said. “I love it. And it’s fun to be able to connect people and put people together and move things forward. Really, my focus has been, even with the scientists that I get to work with and I’m allowed to work with, it’s like they trust you and you get to work with them to move something forward, and you get to make their dream or become a reality.”

Moorad credits that first OVF luncheon as a pivotal moment early in her career, giving her an entry point into Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial community and a network of peers who were eager to help. Returning now as a speaker, she said, feels like coming full circle. With years of experience leading companies and driving innovation, she is eager to share her story and, just as importantly, learn from the community that first welcomed her into the state’s business ecosystem.

“I would love for individuals to come. It’s exciting to return to one of the first events I attended starting out careerwise,” Moorad said. “Of course, I’ll share things that are going on, but more importantly, I want to hear from the community. That’s where we learn from each other and find out those things we don’t normally hear.”

Join Deborah Moorad at the next Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, for her keynote, “Empowering Progress: How Oklahoma is Fueling Innovation & Economic Growth.” This event will provide a unique opportunity to gain insights from Moorad’s journey and connect with other members and guests in person at the Innovation Hall (316 NE 9th St, Oklahoma City). Get the chance to ask questions and share your own experiences, contributing to the vibrant discussion on innovation and economic growth in Oklahoma.

“I love Oklahoma. Oklahoma is my home state, and I want to share the journey in a different kind of way,” Moorad said. “I want to be able to help my community in a different capacity. I didn’t need the secretary title at all, but I’m thankful for Gov. Stitt allowing me this opportunity. I look forward to working with everyone business-wise and just working together.”

Tour of Profitopia

By Dennis

On April 23, 2025

In Real

Step into the rebellious, pink-ooze-drenched world of Profitopia: A stepmom Immersive Experience in this exclusive archival tour, guided by lead artist and stepmom frontwoman Lindsey Cox. Though the groundbreaking installation closed its doors in December 2024, this documentary preserves its revolutionary fusion of music, art, and anti-corporate narrative, offering viewers a rare glimpse into a temporary exhibit that redefined immersive storytelling.

The Experience Revisited!

Filmed at Factory Obscura, this episode transports audiences back to the fictional Rejuvacorp corporate campus, where a catastrophic “creativity juice” explosion transformed sterile office spaces into a surreal, feminist critique of corporate greed. Cox narrates the journey through four environments, each mirroring tracks from stepmom’s EP Profitopia:

The Lobby — A sterile entryway subverted by glitching elevator music and hidden dissent.
Employee Lounge — A break room overrun by pink ooze, symbolizing resistance to corporate control.
Corporate Gym — A reimagined workout space with fuzzy weights, challenging grind culture.
The Lab — A clandestine hub exposing Rejuvacorp’s exploitation of creativity, culminating in the EP’s defiant anthem Self-Destruct.

Cox reveals how the exhibit’s interactive elements—retro video games, cryptic memos, and a “Rejuvacorp machine” spewing glitter—invited visitors to unravel a mystery: a rebellion against systems that drain human creativity for profit.

While Profitopia’s physical spaces are gone, this documentary ensures its legacy endures—a testament to art’s power to disrupt, imagine, and archive.

Stream stepmom’s “Profitopia EP” to complete the experience.

To help me continue telling stories like this and more, join me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DennisSpielman

Oklahannah: An Art Moves Spotlight

By Dennis

On March 14, 2025

In Real

“Art Moves Spotlight Series” was crafted with YOU in mind! At Arts Council OKC, accessibility is key, ensuring that wherever you are in the world, you can simply sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in these special performances.

I’m excited to share a special session I recorded featuring the talented musician Oklahannah, presented by Arts Council Oklahoma City. This intimate performance showcases Oklahannah playing four cover songs on her harp and sharing insights in a candid interview.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Oklahannah’s music, this video promises to be a delightful experience.

Stay tuned for more exclusive sessions and interviews with other talented artists from the Oklahoma City community. Arts Council Oklahoma City is committed to bringing you closer to the artists who shape our cultural identity, one performance at a time.

Tulsa’s Front Door for Entrepreneurship

By Dennis

On February 25, 2025

In Uncategorized

Devon Laney built his career on a deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to fostering innovation. Growing up in rural Alabama, he drew inspiration from his grandfather, who launched the first radio station in their hometown. Laney started his own journey by founding Southeast Concerts, a web-based logistics company serving the entertainment industry across the SEC market.

“I never really understood the impact that [entrepreneurship] would have on me growing up until later in life when I look back and see my journey and how entrepreneurship had impacted it and helped influence my journey,” said Devon Laney.

After selling the business during graduate school, he strengthened his expertise in strategy and technology at Accenture. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to Birmingham, Alabama, where he expanded the Entrepreneurial Center into Innovation Depot, a major support hub for startups. As CEO, he championed entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development. In 2019, he brought his expertise to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he transformed 36 Degrees North into Gradient, a leading hub for innovation and business growth.

“I got a call from another recruiter who told me that there was a group in Tulsa, Oklahoma, really looking to build out their ecosystem,” said Laney. “And they had heard about some of the work that we had done in Birmingham, and they felt that Tulsa and Oklahoma were at a really good point to begin to think about how to grow entrepreneurship support in a way that was impactful, meaningful, but also very intentional.”

Gradient serves as Tulsa’s hub for innovation, providing entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers with the resources they need to grow. Acting as the front door to the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Gradient connects individuals with mentorship, funding, business support, and collaborative work spaces. The organization fosters a thriving business community by offering incubator and accelerator programs, boot camps, and workshops designed to help ventures scale successfully. By uniting key resources under one roof, Gradient simplifies the path for innovators to access capital, legal and marketing assistance, and strategic partnerships. Gradient’s dynamic network and data-driven approach strengthens Tulsa’s position as a premier destination for business growth and innovation.

“As we’ve grown and evolved with incubator programs, accelerator programs, boot camps, workshops, all these things, it became clear that everyone in Tulsa, maybe Oklahoma, associated 36 Degrees North with a specific co-working location,” said Laney. “The challenge that I put forth to our team was I want us to go through the process of thinking about our identity, thinking about our brand, what it represents, what it means, not historically, but long-term, where we’re going and what we’re doing as an organization.”

Gradient will host the upcoming Oklahoma Venture Forum pitch presentation, providing entrepreneurs with a valuable platform to showcase their ideas. Devon Laney emphasizes the importance of clarity and impact when delivering a pitch. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on why their product or service matters, rather than getting lost in technical details. According to Laney, a strong pitch should clearly explain the problem being solved, the size of the market, and why the solution stands out.

“You’ve got to be quick and compelling in why it matters—why what you’re doing matters, and why it’s better than anything else that are alternatives,” said Devon. “The goal is to get them to have a follow-up meeting with you. That’s when you can dive into the features, data, and science.”

Join the OVF Power Pitch Lunch on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 11:30 am. at Gradient (12 N Cheyenne Ave in Tulsa). Join OVF to network, learn, and grow with Oklahoma’s vibrant business community.

“We’re excited about showing everyone Gradient in Tulsa,” said Laney. “It’s one of America’s largest dedicated innovation and entrepreneurship hubs anywhere in America. We’re proud of that and excited to host OVF, have the pitches here, and bring people from around the state to Tulsa to see Gradient and the ecosystem here in action so people can check out the website, joingradient.com.”