EPISODE · Dec 9, 2025 · 1H
Exclusive Conversations with James Murray (Murr), Mitchell S. Karnes, and Pat Riley
from The Neil Haley Show · host The Neil Haley Show
The Neil Haley Show delivered an action-packed episode featuring three diverse and engaging guests who shared their unique journeys and expertise. Comedy star James Murray, better known as "Murr" from the hit TV series Impractical Jokers, opened the show with hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and insights into his multifaceted career. Author Mitchell S. Karnes provided exciting updates on his thriller series Watergrave being adapted into a streaming production. Finally, author Pat Riley discussed his transformative health journey through intermittent fasting and his upcoming book on the subject. Each segment offered listeners valuable entertainment, inspiration, and practical advice across entertainment, creative writing, and personal wellness.James Murray captivated audiences by sharing his journey from grade school friendships to television stardom with Impractical Jokers, now celebrating ten years on air. The Georgetown-educated valedictorian revealed how he and his high school friends persisted through eleven years of failure before landing their breakthrough show. Murray discussed his parallel success as a bestselling author, with his thriller series "Awakened" hitting number one internationally, and five more books in development including children's novels and standalone thrillers. He opened up about his most terrifying punishments on the show, including having his eyebrows shaved off for his driver's license photo and being forced to skydive despite his fear of heights, while emphasizing how the show has become a positive force for families worldwide.Mitchell S. Karnes shared thrilling developments about his debut novel Watergrave being adapted into a four-episode streaming series scheduled to film in July. The production will feature notable cast members including country music star Phil Vassar as Sam and Kristen Oenby as Abby, with filming primarily taking place at a Nashville church that inspired the book's setting. Karnes explained how the project evolved from a book release just a year ago to a full production being shot in 5K for potential Netflix distribution, with plans for a limited theatrical release followed by streaming. The author's YouTube channel has already garnered 16,000 views, demonstrating growing audience interest in his psychological thriller that explores trauma and redemption.Pat Riley detailed his remarkable 60-pound weight loss journey over one year through intermittent fasting, dropping from 240 to 180 pounds without extreme dieting or starvation. Riley explained his gradual progression from 12-hour fasts to 18-hour fasting windows, eventually completing 48-hour fasts while maintaining mental clarity and improved overall health. He emphasized the importance of reducing processed foods and carbohydrates while increasing protein intake, noting that once properly trained, the body adapts to extended fasting periods. Riley is documenting his experience with cited scientific research in an upcoming book through Underway Books, aiming to help others achieve similar health transformations while debunking myths about fasting's effects on cardiac health.The episode demonstrated Neil Haley's versatility in hosting conversations across entertainment, literature, and wellness topics. From Murray's comedy empire and writing success to Karnes' exciting film adaptation and Riley's health transformation, each guest provided actionable insights and inspiring stories. Whether discussing the persistence required to break into entertainment, the evolution from author to screenwriter, or the discipline needed for significant lifestyle changes, the show offered something valuable for every listener seeking motivation and practical guidance in their own pursuits.
What this episode covers
The Neil Haley Show delivered an action-packed episode featuring three diverse and engaging guests who shared their unique journeys and expertise. Comedy star James Murray, better known as "Murr" from the hit TV series Impractical Jokers, opened the show with hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and insights into his multifaceted career. Author Mitchell S. Karnes provided exciting updates on his thriller series Watergrave being adapted into a streaming production. Finally, author Pat Riley discussed his transformative health journey through intermittent fasting and his upcoming book on the subject. Each segment offered listeners valuable entertainment, inspiration, and practical advice across entertainment, creative writing, and personal wellness.James Murray captivated audiences by sharing his journey from grade school friendships to television stardom with Impractical Jokers, now celebrating ten years on air. The Georgetown-educated valedictorian revealed how he and his high school friends persisted through eleven years of failure before landing their breakthrough show. Murray discussed his parallel success as a bestselling author, with his thriller series "Awakened" hitting number one internationally, and five more books in development including children's novels and standalone thrillers. He opened up about his most terrifying punishments on the show, including having his eyebrows shaved off for his driver's license photo and being forced to skydive despite his fear of heights, while emphasizing how the show has become a positive force for families worldwide.Mitchell S. Karnes shared thrilling developments about his debut novel Watergrave being adapted into a four-episode streaming series scheduled to film in July. The production will feature notable cast members including country music star Phil Vassar as Sam and Kristen Oenby as Abby, with filming primarily taking place at a Nashville church that inspired the book's setting. Karnes explained how the project evolved from a book release just a year ago to a full production being shot in 5K for potential Netflix distribution, with plans for a limited theatrical release followed by streaming. The author's YouTube channel has already garnered 16,000 views, demonstrating growing audience interest in his psychological thriller that explores trauma and redemption.Pat Riley detailed his remarkable 60-pound weight loss journey over one year through intermittent fasting, dropping from 240 to 180 pounds without extreme dieting or starvation. Riley explained his gradual progression from 12-hour fasts to 18-hour fasting windows, eventually completing 48-hour fasts while maintaining mental clarity and improved overall health. He emphasized the importance of reducing processed foods and carbohydrates while increasing protein intake, noting that once properly trained, the body adapts to extended fasting periods. Riley is documenting his experience with cited scientific research in an upcoming book through Underway Books, aiming to help others achieve similar health transformations while debunking myths about fasting's effects on cardiac health.The episode demonstrated Neil Haley's versatility in hosting conversations across entertainment, literature, and wellness topics. From Murray's comedy empire and writing success to Karnes' exciting film adaptation and Riley's health transformation, each guest provided actionable insights and inspiring stories. Whether discussing the persistence required to break into entertainment, the evolution from author to screenwriter, or the discipline needed for significant lifestyle changes, the show offered something valuable for every listener seeking motivation and practical guidance in their own pursuits.
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Exclusive Conversations with James Murray (Murr), Mitchell S. Karnes, and Pat Riley
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