Noshing With Thomas Cullen – July 17, 2025

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Thomas Cullen, a federal judge and lifelong writer whose powerful debut novel, "Charlie-Man," has just been published. A seasoned legal mind with a passion for storytelling, Thomas shares how writing has always been his first love—something he returned to with intensity once he became a judge. With an eye toward judicial ethics about writing about issues that might come be-fore him, he crafted a coming-of-age novel set in the deeply evocative world of a Southern prep school in Richmond, Virginia—a place and time etched into his memory. In this engaging episode, Thomas opens up about the inspiration behind Charlie-Man, the emotional reaction from family and friends, and the surprising moment he revealed the book’s existence at a graduation ceremony. He talks about the discipline it took to carve out writing time, how the story began to pour out after a few chapters, and the invaluable feedback from his wife and son—his first readers. From the careful crafting of the title to the emotional resonance that brought his son to tears, Thomas reflects on resilience, the impact of teachers, and the importance of not bearing burdens alone. It’s a candid conversation about creativity, legacy, and the healing power of storytelling. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)