In the first episode of SASQ’ET The Story, podcast producer Joe and author Max introduce their experiment: documenting the attempt to adapt Max’s 676-page novel SASQ’ET into a streaming TV series (or possibly a feature film) with audience participation. They discuss the book’s seven-year creation, strong reviews, national bestseller status, a book trailer nearing a million views, and a 23-hour audiobook, then outline the underdog reality—no producer, studio, or agent yet—while setting a goal of reaching 10,000 YouTube followers and building a fan base to attract industry interest. Max explains why the story is cinematic, built on cliffhangers, and explores the plausibility and deeper themes of the Sasquatch phenomenon through Mallory, a strong veterinarian protagonist whose life is upended by a mysterious inheritance and key. They invite viewers to read the book, subscribe, suggest guests, and help make introductions.
00:00 Welcome to the Experiment
01:16 Max and the Book Origin
02:25 Why This Book Is Blowing Up
03:32 Building the Fan Army
05:15 Can It Become a Series
08:15 Max Background as Writer
09:48 Elevator Pitch for Sascat
12:58 Meet Mallory the Hero
14:19 Bigfoot vs Sasquatch Explained
17:48 Themes and the Mystery Key
21:56 Why Streaming Works Best
22:53 Series Versus Film
23:17 Epic Movie Inspirations
24:34 TV Is Where It’s At
25:11 Writing A Female Lead
25:54 Publishing Reality Check
29:08 Attention In The Algorithm Age
31:46 Underdog Progress Update
33:07 What We Still Lack
34:40 Talking To Showrunners
35:16 Taylor Sheridan Fanboy Moment
38:34 Build Fans And Subscribe
39:51 Defining Success In Five Years
42:31 Why Should I Care
44:28 Mission Status And Farewell
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Want to join the team?
Level 1: Become a Reader
If you haven’t read Sasq’et yet, pick up your copy at https://sasqetthebook.com.
The stronger the readership, the stronger the case for adaptation.
Level 2: Join the Expedition
Join the newsletter at sasqetthebook.com and follow the journey between episodes.
This should be framed as exclusive access.
Level 3: Recruit the Next Guest
This one is gold because it helps the show.
Who should we talk to next?
A producer? A showrunner? An actor? A streamer executive? Someone who’s turned a book into a series?
Leave a comment and help us build the roadmap.
Level 4: Become a Scout
This is where you become part of the Sasq’et research team.
Know someone who should be helpful to talk with about making the streaming series?
Make an introduction.
Every connection moves the story forward.
Level 5: Join the Mission
Share this episode with one person who loves great stories, wilderness adventures, Bigfoot lore, or impossible dreams.