Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with former educator, banking professional, and author James Chesterton.

We take a deep dive into his provocative new political thriller Ashes of the Republic, a work of speculative fiction and satire set in the year 2046. The novel imagines an America transformed by the consolidation of theocratic power, where government surveillance, Artificial Intelligence, data-driven control, and the fusion of religion and state have fundamentally altered everyday life.

Drawing inspiration from contemporary debates surrounding privacy, Technology, governance, reproductive surveillance, civil liberties, and the growing role of AI in society, Ashes of the Republic explores how current trends could shape the future if left unchecked. Through a compelling narrative, the book raises important questions about freedom, power, technology, democracy, and the future of individual rights.

Before becoming an author, James spent more than three decades in the banking industry. A graduate of Hunter College, he began his professional journey teaching high school English before earning an MBA from University of Connecticut and transitioning into corporate banking.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the novel, political satire, speculative fiction, artificial intelligence, privacy concerns, current events, leadership, career transitions, writing, and the broader social questions that shaped the book.

This is a fascinating discussion about storytelling, technology, democracy, and the future we may be creating today.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more and get the book:
James Chesterton Official Website

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Joe Dimino Podcaster/Artist

Joe Dimino has been writing & creating in a variety of capacities since his college days at the University of Missouri-Kansas City somewhere around 1993. If you are keeping score, that would be about 29 years+. It all began at UMKCs University News as a Sports Writer & turned into a myriad of expressive avenues. Inventing poems, art, video & audio has always been in the proverbial cards.