Soapbox, hosted by WCCA TV Executive Director Mauro DePasquale since 1993, features conversations with community leaders, local businesses, cultural organizations, and more. In this episode, Mauro interviews Shane Hopkins, author of the new novel "Beautiful Nightmares." Shane is a retired 25-year veteran of the Newport, Rhode Island, Fire Department. Before that, he served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged after his tour of duty. He now lives with his wife, Lisa, in their log cabin on six wooded acres in southern Rhode Island; they have two grown children and seven grandchildren. Shane's book "Whistle" is now an audiobook that Shane narrates, with a full original music score and sound effects. Shane explains how he juggles releasing two major projects at the same time while balancing family life and writing a third novel, "The Legend of Johnny Tobacco and Sweetie Marie." To be a guest on Soapbox, please email tracy@wccatv.com, and consider supporting WCCA TV with a donation at wccatv.com/donate.
Posted September 29th 2026 3:36pm.