In this episode of Road Gang Radio, hosts Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler sit down with debut author and former attorney Helena Haywoode Henry to discuss her explosive new young adult novel, Last Chance Live!, coming October 7, 2025 from HarperCollins.

Set in a near-future America obsessed with reality TV, the book follows eighteen-year-old death row inmate Eternity Price, who competes on the nation’s most popular show for the chance to win her freedom—or face execution. Helena explores themes of systemic injustice, media exploitation, and public perception, asking readers to critically examine American society and human nature.

Topics covered include:

The social commentary and justice themes in Last Chance Live!

How screens shape Eternity’s life—and ours

Reality TV as a lens to examine society’s fascination with crime

Eternity as an Everyman, reflecting universal human struggles

Inspiration from legal and real-life experiences, including the ABA’s 2018 resolution on young offenders

Helena Haywoode Henry Website: https://helenahenry.com

Instagram:  / helena.haywoode.henry 

Last Chance Live! PDF (for review): https://randomhouse.app.box.com/s/lj8...

Last Chance Live! on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Muse-Revolutio...

Helena Haywoode Henry is a mom of three and a former attorney living in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and NYU School of Law, Last Chance Live! is her debut novel, combining her legal insight with compelling storytelling.

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