Episode 721-With Zig Zag Claybourne

This week on the podcast, Patrick and Tracy welcome Zig Zag Claybourne, author of KHUMALO TALES.

About KHUMALO TALES: (Back it on Kickstarter!) The legend of Amnandi and Mother Khumalo has grown – and rightfully so. For decades, the Khumalo family has nurtured Erah, correcting wrongs and healing the injured.

All while adhering to the unspoken but immutable rules of witches.

Yet, in the shadows of a small village, a mystic rises to tamper with new powers and shatter sacred oaths, tipping the balance of Erah toward a war between knowledge and compassion,

between the worlds of mysticism and the mundane.

A war the Khumalos will not allow.

To stop it, they must face a new challenge beyond their worst imaginings, one with the power to overtake every belief they have and every magick they hold.

A witch obeys one rule above all: Protect.

Even if that means reality itself.

About Zig Zag Claybourne: There’s a clue in the number of names he uses (C.E. Young, C. Young, Zig Zag Claybourne, Thor MF Jones) showing that Zig believes writers should have the same privileges to inhabit a delightful variety of roles as actors. He grew up watching The Twilight Zone and considers himself a better person for it.

You can find his work scattered throughout the web.

This week’s picks:

• Zig Zag: Lloyd of the Flies (Tubi)
• Tracy: Chicano Bakes: Recipes for Mexican Pan Dulce, Tamales, and My Favorite Desserts by Esteban Castillo
• Patrick: Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair

Links:

• Zig Zag Claybourne on Instagram
• Tracy Townsend on BluSky
• Patrick Hester on Instagram
• The Functional Nerds Patreon Page

© 2026 Patrick Hester

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