Flawed Heroes, Hard Truths: Lt. Col. Ken Webb on Trapped in Deception (Ep. 230)

Broadcasting live from Eagle Pass, Texas, I sat down with retired Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel and first-time author Ken Webb to unpack his psychological thriller, Trapped in Deception, and the very real life experiences that inspired it. We explored his journey from decades in uniform and a corporate career to starting over in Peru at 56, the sting of personal betrayal that seeded his antagonist, and how imperfect, conflicted characters make for a truer, grittier story. Ken shared how his protagonist—loosely based on himself—faces moral gray zones, leadership pressures, and a past misfire in combat, while chasing a reinvention-obsessed con artist who fakes his death and flees to Peru. 

We also dove into faith, Bible study, learning languages later in life, and the realities of self-publishing—editing costs, algorithms, reviews, and why persistence beats perfection. Ken’s goals now include finishing his series, serving in his local church, and donating books to libraries. If flawed heroes, ethical dilemmas, and international intrigue are your jam, this conversation—and Ken’s novel—are for you.

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Special thanks to:
Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
Executive Producer John Seeley

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(00:04:17) Opening live from Asylum Studios, Eagle Pass

(00:05:22) Farewells in politics and thin House majority

(00:07:32) Live show vibe, schedule, and format philosophy

(00:09:03) Housekeeping and platform notes for the show

(00:11:46) Guest intro: Lt. Col. Ken Webb, author and veteran

(00:14:17) Faith talk: denominations, dispensations, and questions

(00:17:48) Tech futures, glasses, and eye surgery chat

(00:21:01) Language learning, accents, and life in Peru

(00:27:38) Work rhythms, treating writing like a job

(00:30:32) Publishing realities, Amazon reviews, and costs

(00:33:05) Fiverr, production workflow, and tools of the trade

(00:34:35) Trapped in Deception: origins of the story

(00:38:31) Plot beats: bank heist, crypto key, and Peru escape

(00:42:10) The pursuit, training, and a flawed hero

(00:44:21) Biblical parallels and human flaws

(00:48:55) Character challenges and series setup

(00:53:37) Self‑publishing experience and expectations

(00:56:41) Website, side writings, and creative habits

(00:58:15) Introversion, routines, and life balance

(01:06:46) Making art vs. making money: goals and tours

(01:08:50) Audience, platforms, and free‑speech hosting

(01:12:04) Consistency, growth, and podcasting lessons

(01:17:00) Finding your niche and show formats

(01:18:37) Apocrypha, canon, and study approaches

(01:21:40) King James Only perspective and translation debates

(01:33:37) Host’s testimony: from skepticism to faith

(01:41:55) Language, manuscripts, and historical claims

(01:46:55) Legalism, liberty, and day of worship

(01:51:49) Closing with guest links and thanks

(01:54:09) Wrap‑up, shout‑outs, and tomorrow’s preview

- Joe "Rooz" Russiello

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

- Ken Webb

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https://www.joerooz.com