The Other 51

Denny Wilkins' story is that of a geology major from Massachusetts turned into a journalism professor at St. Bonaventure.It's also the story of a professor who taught a generation of St. Boanventure journalism graduates — Brian included — to omit needless words.Denny and Brian, now colleagues at the Jandoli School of Communication, bring faculty meeting energy to this week's episode. Denny discusses the challenges of teaching college students how to write, the importance of curiosity, and how he teaches it. Denny talks about his own journalism experiences, why he views himself as a coach, and what he learned from former St. Bonaventure women's basketball coach (and current coach at Providence) Jim Crowley about teaching.Can you make each sentence one word shorter? If so, you're halfway to a better story.Yep. He also talks about what Brian was like as a student. I immediately regret this decision.Denny WilkinsSt. Bonaventure University Writing Style GuideGarbage Land: On the Secret Trail of Trash by Elizabeth RoyteThe Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future by Gretchen BakkeConcrete Planet: The Strange and Fascinating Story of the World's Most Common Man-Made Material by Robert CourlandThe Pencil: A History of Design and Circumstance by Hentry PetroskiThe Road Taken: The History and Future of America's Infrastructure by Henry PetroskiRust: The Longest War by Jonathan WaldmanJohn McPhee's booksSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Dr. Catherine Pearlman joins Brian to talk about her new book, “First Phone: A child's guide to digital responsibility, safety and etiquette.”Catherine discusses her career as a social worker, parenting coach and writer, how she got a syndicated column, and the writing lessons she learned from writing two columns a week for several years. She talks about how and why she decided to write a book specifically for kids, what it was like to write for kids, and what kids really think about smartphones. Digital education is a life-long process. Your kids will make mistakes in their digital life, but theyre part of life and what you can learn of life. And sleep. Good lord, sleep is so important. Catherine also talks about how she puts together a book proposal, why she likes to write at night, how she uses Notes to collect material and organize her work, and how she balanced writing a book about technology without it sounding dated. The Family CoachCatherine on TwitterFirst Phone: A child's guide to digital responsibility, safety and etiquetteIgnore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting SatisfactionEmpire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden KeffeHidden Valley Road by Robert KolkerSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

What's it like to be at the Tony Awards?How do you juggle being both a fan and a reporter?How do you go from being a TV reporter in West Texas to creating your own site to cover Broadway?What's it like to spend an entire day wearing a fushsia ballgown around New York City?Shoshana from BWaySho joins Brian to answer those questions and more. Shoshana and Brian talk about how TV taglines never leave you, why she doesn't see herself as a critic, and the importance of just showing up. This episode also features our first CONTEST. Check @TheOther51Pod for details. BWay ShoTwitterBWay Sho Patreon… & JulietLegally Blonde at The MunyThe Kite Runner MusicalInto the WoodsA Strange LoopPOTUSCasey McQuiston's books

Grace Aki, a playwright and performer, joins Brian to talk about her one-woman show, To Free A Mockingbird. Here's the secret. Grace didn't actually “write” her one-woman show. Well she did. She talks about how she incrementally developed her show over a number of years, and how she used voice memos as her main tool to get material down. Grace and Brian talk about the lessons she learned from Rick Crom and Seth Barrish, how important the ending and the climax of a show (or a story, or a beat) is, the through line in all of Grace's work, and what the word storyteller means to her. Grace also gives fantastic advice on how to motivate yourself to do your own creative work. They also talk ice cream. Let's normalize meeting up for dessert the way people meet up for drinks! Grace Aki's websiteTo Free a Mockingbird ticketsNoona's Ice CreamPerry's Ice CreamOh Rick! Seth BarrishTell Me on a SundayMy Neighbor TotoroWhich Way to the StageA Strange LoopCrying in H MartSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Dr. Chris Mackwoski, an author and professor of communication at St. Bonaventure University, joins Brian to talk about writing, the Civil War, the secrets to productivity, and more. Chris and Brian, who are colleagues at the Jandoli School of Communication, talk about Chris' long and winding career path. Chris talks about how spending time as a radio reporter in Maine, working in public relations, working as a playwright and a blogger helped shaped him as a writer. Chris describes his work writing about the Civil War, why he finds that topic to be so endlessly fascinating, and why he views himself as a writer who happens to write about history, not a historian. He discusses the importance of his writing environment and why that is key to his productivity, what time of day he's always liked writing, Remember to take the time to take the walk. Chris Mackowski's books on AmazonEmerging Civil WarHarry Potter and the Deathly HallowsThe Road by Cormac McCarthySubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Donna Ditota, who was recently named the New York State Sportswriter of the Year, joins Brian to talk about her career covering sports in Syracuse and Central New York. Being Bona Pride Day, Donna and Brian naturally start with some St. Bonaventure talk. Donna, a 1983 graduate, tells Brian what Russel J. Jandoli was really like, and talks about how her experience as a basketball player continues to inform her work to this day. It's all about empathy, an underrated trait for journalists. Donna traces her career path from St. Bonaventure to her current gig as an award-winning Syracuse men's basketball beat writer for Syracuse.com. She tells Brian what makes Jim Boeheim so great to cover, why open locker rooms are so important to sports journalism (and why Zoom interviews suck), and walks through her process in writing a profile story. Find out what life is like as a ACC men's basketball beat writer and voter in the AP Top 25 really looks like, and also why transcribing is the worst, but also the best. Donna Ditota on TwitterDonna at Syracuse.comJournalism alumna, Syracuse sportswriter Donna Ditota named New York Sportswriter of the YearJesse Edwards works to summon an inner mean as he rises from obscurity to become one of the ACC's most improved playersSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Mike Sielski of The Philadelphia Inquirer joins Brian for a deep dive into the writing and reporting of his new book, “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality.”Mike describes how and why a book about Kobe's life growing up in Philadelphia was the book for him to write. Why are biographies that focus on a slice of a famous person's life so meaningful? Mike talks about his reporting process, how time at the Lower Merion Historical Society proved to be invaluable, and how keeping Kobe as the metaphorical sun helped him balance all of the necessary contextual background information. Mike and Brian talk a lot about Lower Merion and Philadelphia, how they are characters in the book, and why a sense of place is so vital to this story. Mike describes the types of questions he used to get at the Kobe story we didn't know yet. It's about being honest and upfront with the people you interview. This podcast also serves as the backdoor pilot for the Godzilla Geek podcast Brian and Mike really should just launch already. Buy The RiseThe Rise on AmazonMike Sielski on TwitterEpisode 18: Saran Wrap Octopus with Mike SielskiEpisode 69: That's Good Thinking There, Cool BreezeEmpire of Pain by Patrick Radden KeefeThe White Darkness by David GrannSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Author Alysa Auriemma is back to talk about her debut novel All Daughter's Rise, which is out TODAY on Amazon Kindle. Alysa tells Brian about her book's long journey to publication, why she decided to self-publish through Amazon Kindle, and how writing this book was both fun and stressful. Alyssa discusses how she learned to lean into the fact that her characters are messy and awkward, how you can speak things into existence but still have to do the work, and how Wheel of Time helps her explain her book. There is also a breakdown of Rogers the Musical. Trust me. We could do this all day. All Daughter's Rise on AmazonThe Things They CarriedThe Old Guard comicsThe Rise by Mike SielskiSave the CityIn writing, self-publishing debut novel, Alysa Auriemma remains unapologetically true to herselfEpisode 126: Use Your Words with Alysa AuriemmaEpisode 105: Genre is Dead with Alysa AuriemmaEpisode 52: Hating Kylo Ren with Alysa AuriemmaEpisode 44: Generic Hot Actor Guy with Alysa AuriemmaEpisode 27: Always Writing with Alysa AuriemmaSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

To honor the life and legacy of Stephen Sondheim, Rob Rokicki, Joe Iconis and Brennan Saur join Brian to discuss his influence on their lives and their craft.Stephen Sondheim, Titan of the American Musical, Is Dead at 91Episode 143: Back to the Book with Rob RokickiEpisode 121: You Have To See Point Break with Joe IconisEpisode 13: Joe IconisBrennan Saur at New Play ExchangeSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Seth Wickersham of ESPN joins us for a deep dive into the writing and reporting of his book on Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, "It's Better to be Feared."Seth talks about what it's like see your first book on The New York Times bestseller list and what the past month has been like since the book came out.He and Brian go deep into the writing and the reporting process of the book. Seth talks about the notes he's saved for 20 years, how reporting the book changed due to the pandemic and how he became a better phone interviewer, the interview techniques he learned from John Sawatsky, how he figured out the book's essential structure, how he wrote early in the morning and how Richard Ben Cramer's work inspired him.Seth WickershamIt's Better To Be FearedThe Question ManJohn Sawatsky is highly questionableI Keep Trying to Catch His Eye by Ivan MaiselThe Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality by Mike SielskiSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Leah Stacy joins us to talk about life as an independent, freelance writer and journalist.Leah first joined us back in 2016, when she was a professor at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y. This week, she and Brian talk about what she's been up to since then. Topics include:Leah's professional and life strategy.The scariest part about deciding to go independent, and how she overcame that.How she accidentally got into writing about the food and beverage industry, and what she looks for in telling a restaurant's story, and what 2020–2021 have been like for restaurants.The upcoming launch of her new print literary magazine, Lilac.How good a writer Taylor Swift is.Leah StacyLeah on TwitterLilac MagazineWriters and Lovers by Lily KingThe Midnight Library by Matt HaigRitz And Escoffier by Luke BarrSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Stuart Turton, the best-selling author of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and The Devil and the Dark Water, joins Brian to talk about writing, plot, Agatha Christie and more.A former journalist (among many other jobs), Stuart wrote two of the Moritz family's favorite books of the past three years. Among other topics, Stuart and Brian discuss:How, exactly, did he plot out insanely intricate plot of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle?The amount of research he did for The Devin and the Dark Water. You'll learn something you never would have guessed about a ship's poop deck.How he sees his young daughter in The Devil and the Dark Water.Why he loves Agatha Christie, and why Brian is horribly wrong about his favorite work of hers.How his characters take on lives of their own, and what that feels like as a writer.Why being able to pack a backpack well is not exactly a translatable skill.Stuart Turton on TwitterThe 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn HardcastleThe Devil and the Dark WaterAnd Then there Were NoneThree Blind Mice and other storiesAn Instance of the FingerpostsProject Hail MarySubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Grammy and Juno-award winning musician Tania Elizabeth joins Brian to talk about the writing and recording of her upcoming album and more. Tania's been a touring musician for nearly her entire life, and has spent the past seven years playing fiddle in the Avett Brothers. Before that, she was a founding member of The Duhks and toured extensively both on her own and as an accompanist. In 2021, she recorded her first solo record in nearly 10 years and hopes to release it in 2022. Tania and Brian discuss: - The difference between a song and a fiddle tune - What the pandemic was like for someone who's been a touring musician since she was 16. - The value of editing, both in songwriting and recording - Tania's songwriting process, and the importance of vulnerability in her artTania ElizabethTania on InstagramListen to Tania's music on SpotifyDan FrechetteThe Work of Byron KatieMany Lives, Many Masters by Brian WeissSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Five years ago, Brian started a podcast about writing, and his first guest was his dear friend, Dr. Molly Yanity.To celebrate our fifth anniversary, Molly returns to talk about sports journalism, Brandi Carlile, academic writing and more.Molly talks about how her writing live has changed over the past five years, how she balances writing with teaching and administrative work. Here's the secret — being a sports writer was way harder than being in academia. Molly also describes how teaching sports journalism for a number of years made her better at sports writing when she covered the WNBA for The Athletic.Molly discusses her upcoming edited book about the 2019 Women's World Cup, and she turns the tables on Brian and asks him questions for a change. She puts him on the spot really quickly. They also geek out about the best things they've read lately.Thanks to all of you who've listened and shared over the past five years. To many more!Molly YanityMolly on Twitter2019 FIFA Women's World Cup: Media, Fandom, and Soccer's Biggest StageEpisode 89: Unintended Consequences Might Ensue with Bob CostasBroken Horses: A Memoir by Brandi CarlileWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensThe Overstory by Richard PowersHow Lucky by Will LeitchColson Whitehead booksMichael Chabon booksSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

John Branch, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist at The New York Times and author of the upcoming anthology, “Sidecountry,” joins Brian to talk about his career as a writer and reporter. John talks about the process of putting together the anthology of his sports writing from The Times, and what it's like to be a reporter who never re-reads his stories to go back over his past work. He talks about how he remembers the experience of writing and reporting his stories much more than the stories themselves. He also talks about what life as a reporter is like after winning a Pulitzer, what it's like when one of stories becomes a verb, and the backstory of how Snowfall became a multimedia piece. He and Brian also do a deep dive into his journalistic philosophy, “I try to write stories you didn't know you wanted to read.”John BranchJohn on TwitterSidecountry: Tales of Death and Life from the Back Roads of SportsSnowfall: The Avalanche at Tunnel CreekWhat Is A SummitThe Bear's Ears by David RobertsBarbarian Days by William FinneganThe Library Book by Susan OrleanHow Lucky by Will LeitchSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Lyndsey D'Arcangelo, a sports writer for The Athletic, joins Brian to talk about journalism, social media, and her upcoming book, “Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League.” Lyndsey describes her twisty career path that took her from college to an office job in Boston to an office job at the Buffalo News and finally back to sports writing. She tell Brian how using Twitter turned her career around in a good way (for real — she's the one) and how she advocates for women's sports while maintaining journalistic distance. Lyndsey tells Brian about how she and co-author Britni de le Cretaz came up with the idea for the book on the NWFL, how they divided the the writing and reporting, how they got sources to trust them with their stories, and why these untold stories are so important. Lyndsey D'ArcangeloLyndsey on TwitterCourtside Column: The WNBA's first game was a defining moment for meHail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football LeagueBroken Horses: A Memoir by Brandi CarlileSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Dave Bidini, an author, guitar player in the Rheostatics, and publisher of the West End Phoenix, joins Brian to talk all things writing and journalism. Dave and Brian revisit “On A Cold Road,” the oral history/diary Dave wrote after his band toured with The Tragically Hip in 1996. Dave talks about what that book means to him all these years later. Dave discusses the importance of his family's typewriter, why books were magical to him as a kid and what books and writing were formative to him as a young man. Dave also defends sportswriting and discusses how the structure and the language of great sports journalism influences his own work. Dave talks about his songwriting process (hint: there is no process), why he started the West End Phoenix, and why community journalism is so vital now. Dave on TwitterWest End PhoenixDave's booksOn a Cold Road: Tales of Adventure in Canadian RockRheostatics on SpotifyShooting Midnight Cowboy: Art, Sex, Loneliness, Liberation, and the Making of a Dark ClassicLove: A NovelAlexandra Fuller's booksBodySubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

Will Leitch joins Brian to talk about pandemic life, sports journalism and Will's upcoming novel, How Lucky. Will and Brian talk about their lives during the pandemic, how sports journalism survived its self-perceived existential crisis, and how sports' return helped pave the the way for a return to normalcy. Will then talks about his upcoming book, which he calls the purest distillation of what he feels abut the world. He talks about how he came up with the idea for How Lucky, why he wanted to write a story about someone with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and the history of the internet, and why he decided to write it as a novel. Will describes his Wonderboys moment with his agent and what it was like when he found out that Stephen King liked his book. There's also advice for young writers (and Brian) about how to be more disciplined as a writer. Yes, it's hard. The trick is to trick yourself out of not doing something. Will Leitch on TwitterWill's Weekly NewsletterHow Lucky on AmazonHow Lucky on BookstoreEpisode 7: Creative Wigwams with Will LeitchKevin Wilson's booksThe Shakespeare Requirement by Julia SchumacherSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSS

A warning: This episode includes discussion about suicide, depression and anxiety. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273- TALK(8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.Jeff Passan, an ESPN MLB Insider, joins Brian to do a deep dive into the remarkable story on San Francisco Giants' outfielder Drew Robinson. Jeff describes how he first learned about Robinson's attempted suicide, how he connected with Robinson over FaceTime, and how his years breaking transactions as a baseball reporter made this story, Jeff walks through how he consulted with experts on suicide before even interviewing Robinson and why being a person before being a journalist mattered with this story. Jeff tells how his seven-hour interview with Drew was the hardest most emotionally taxing thing he's ever done in journalism, describes what it was like to interview his family members, and the details that still stick with him. Jeff also talks about important figuring out the story's structure was and what it was it like to sit down to write, knowing how important a story this was.Jeff and Brian also talk about their experiences as Buffalo News sports interns, and why desk people are their favorite people.Jeff Passan on TwitterDrew Robinson's Remarkable Second ActAlive: The Drew Robinson StoryReporting on SuicideReporting on Suicide RecommendationsThe National Suicide Prevention LifelineInside the dual legacies of NFL players' union boss DeMaurice SmithFacebook is a Doomsday MachineI Am Not A Solider, but I've Been Trained to KillNew York Times Columnist David Brooks Blogged For Facebook's Corporate SitePappyland by Wright ThompsonSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSSSupport The Other 51 and keep it ad-free for as little as $3Support Me on Ko-fi

Dr. Michael Mirer, a visiting assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, joins Brian to talk about researching and teaching journalism. Michael and Brian talk about the challenges of brining writing classes to the online environment. Michael also describes his career path from a kid in Detroit who wanted to write for a literary magazine, to being a sports journalists in the oil patch of New Mexico and California, to eventually graduate school in Wisconsin. Michael, who is probably the leading scholar in boundary work in sports journalism, breaks down exactly what “boundary work” is, why it's so important to understanding journalism in 2021, and the evolving relationship between sports journalists and team websites. He tells Brian why teaching professionalism is the most important thing to teach journalism students, and how journalists need to embrace change rather than fight it. Michael Mirer on TwitterMichael on Google ScholarArthur Ashe: A Life by Raymond ArsenaultAlexander Hamilton by Ron ChernowGrant by Ron ChernowThe inheritance of Archie Manning by Wright ThompsonSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSSSupport The Other 51 and keep it ad-free for as little as $3Support Me on Ko-fi

Jennifer Ashley Tepper, a Broadway producer, historian and author joins Brian to talk about the fourth volume of her delightful series, The Untold Stories of Broadway. Jennifer (who produced Be More Chill), talks about where her love of obscure and forgotten musicals comes from, and how that obsession turned into a book series. She talks about the decision to frame her books by each Broadway theater. Jennifer also talks about how her research and writing process has evolved in the past decade, and how her writing and editing process is like assembling a puzzle. Jennifer also tells Brian about the Fallen Five theaters and gives him her best quick story for each of the three Broadway theaters he's been to. Jennifer Ashley TepperJennifer on TwitterThe Untold Stories of Broadway, Vol. 4The Untold Stories seriesTwo Kids and a Broadway Star Episode 6: Jennifer Ashley TepperNot Since Carrie by Ken MendalbaumEverything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies by Ted ChapinDancing Man by Bob AvianSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastRSSSupport The Other 51 and keep it ad-free for as little as $3Support Me on Ko-fi

Composer and lyricist Rob Rokicki joins Brian to do a deep dive into The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Rob and Brian talk about The Lightning Thief's long journey from a one-hour free show made for kids to a full-on Broadway musical. Rob discusses how he got involved in the project, how he became familiar with the world of Percy Jackson and how he worked to make a show that rang true to the series' devoted fans. Rob describes how he worked collaboratively with book writer Joe Tracz to stay true to the books, how early feedback from kids kept them on track, what scene from the book they learned they absolutely had to keep, and how Rob used different instruments to find the voices of each character. Rob also talks about how he spent 2020, the importance of equity in theater, and what people can do to support theater during the COVID–19 shutdown. Rob Rokicki on SpotifyRob on TwitterRob's WebsiteThe Lightning Thief MusicalThe Actors FundBroadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDSGeva Theater CenterSyracuse StageSpotlight StudiosThe Golem and the Jinni by Helene WeckerThe River by Peter HellerSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupport The Other 51 and keep it ad-free for as little as $3Support Me on Ko-fi

Tyler Dunne returns to the show to talk about his new NFL newsletter, Go Long. Tyler discusses why he decided to start a newsletter with Substack and why he believes this is the future of sports journalism. He talks about the lessons he learned from watching his dad start his own company and what it means to bet on yourself. Tyler and Brian also talk about the challenges of reporting via Zoom and how the early morning hours can be the best time of day to write. There is also much praise for the Buffalo Bills and Jeff Pearlman. Also, Tyler's dog Ed - the breakout Instagram Star of Quarantine — makes an appearance. [Go Long with Tyler Dunne](https://www.golongtd.com/Tyler on TwitterThe Pressure is on Josh AllenWhat Sammy Watkins BelievesThree-Ring Circus by Jeff PearlmanEpisode 132: Role Players with Jeff PearlmanEpisode 96: A Little Kelly Tripuka with Tyler DunneEpisode 3: Tyler DunneSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupport The Other 51 and keep it ad-free for as little as $3Support Me on Ko-fi

Screenwriters Keith and Juliet Giglio join Brian to talk about writing Christmas movies for Lifetime, including their most recent, Dear Christmas. Keith, a professor at Syracuse University, and Juliet, a professor at SUNY-Oswego (where Brian teaches), talk about how their careers took them from being screenwriters in Los Angeles to academics in Central New York, and how an off-handed comment about the Christmas Prince led them to pitching and writing their first Christmas movie, “A Very Nutty Christmas.” Keith and Juliet describe how they pitch their movies to Paula and Melissa Joan Hart, how they use index cards and Trello to break stories, and how they collaborate on their scripts. The couple also discuss their four favorite Christmas movies. There is much praise for Jack Black. Dear ChristmasA Very Nutty ChristmasChristmas ReservationsSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupport The Other 51 and keep it ad-free for as little as $3Support Me on Ko-fi

Jason Zenor, an associate professor at SUNY Oswego, joins Brian to talk about media law issues and his new book, Emerging Media: Legal Principles, Virtual Issues.Jason (whose office is two doors down from Brian's) talks about how he wrote his new textbook and why he saw a market for a book like this. He discusses how he got interested in writing and thinking about virtual reality, artificial intelligence, avatars and how existing media law can apply to these new areas, what it was look turning his research into an accessible textbook, and the challenges of writing for legal and journalistic audiences.In addition, there is talk of long-suffering Boston sports fans (really, this happens) and a discussion about when it's appropriate for grown ups to wear jerseys. Jason ZenorEmerging Media: Legal Principles, Virtual IssuesHow to be an AntiracistFactfulnessSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Amy Bass, a professor of sports studies at Manhattanville College, joins Brian to do a deep dive into the writing and reporting of her book, “One Goal.”Amy talks about how she first learned the story of the Lewiston High School soccer team and what drew her to it as a potential book. She talks about how she developed the trust of the coaching staff and of the Somali refugee community there. Amy describes her reporting style as “hanging out” and discusses what that logistically looks like. She also talks about how she took the results of all that hanging out and turned it into a book. Amy also talks about how sticking to sports means talking about politics, race, gender, etc.Episode LinksAmy BassAmy Bass on TwitterOne Goal by Amy BassThe Resisters by Gish JenTigerbelleCurveballThe Mighty OakThree-Ring CircusSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

It's Episode 138. A true milestone for every podcast. And to celebrate, there is only one guest we could have — Joe Posnanski from The Athletic returns. And to celebrate, Joe breaks some news and announces what his next book will be! In addition to the news, Joe and Brian talk about the different mindsets that different types of writing require. Joe gives advice on how young writers can learn to loosen up a bit in their work. You have to master the notes, then master the music, then forget all that and just play. Joe and Brian also have a minute of meaninglessness, and come to terms with the fact that the Bills and Browns are actually good. Episode links:Joe at The AthleticJoe on TwitterJoeBlogsThe Life and Afterlife of Harry HoudiniThe Baseball 100Tiger and TimeThe Queen's GambitEpisode 4:Joe Posnanski Episode 100: The Amazing and the Impossibe with Joe Posnanski Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

The panel discussion from the 16th Dr. Lewis B. O'Donnell Media Summit, hosted virtually by SUNY-Oswego on Oct. 28, 2020.This discussion was produced in conjunction with the SUNY Oswego School of Communication, Media and the Arts and the SUNY Oswego CTS department.Dr. Lewis B. O'Donnell Media SummitConnie SchultzMichelle GarciaAva LubellSteve BrownBret JaspersSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Tim Bontemps, an NBA reporter for ESPN, returns to talk about reporting, working at ESPN and life in the NBA Bubble.The main topic is Tim's 76 days in the NBA's bubble in Orlando. Tim tells Brian about the two different bubbles in Orlando and what life was like in the Yellow Bubble. Tim described his daily routine, how he reported when he had no direct access to players or coaches, and what it was like to be in arena with no fans.Tim also talks about his move from the Washington Post to ESPN, what advice he'd give young reporters who want to join him at ESPN, and how being a good reporter is like making friends.Tim on TwitterThis is bad for America but great for usThree-Ring CircusSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Sports writer, radio host, and author Julie DiCaro discusses her upcoming book, her career in sports media and more.Julie talks about her career path from public defender to sports columnist. Julie and Brian discuss the surprising similarities between practicing law and being a sports columnist and how being a lawyer prepared Julie to write about sports. Julie also talks about representation in sports media and the notion of see it to be it. The main topic is Julie's book, “Sidelined,” which is scheduled for a March release. Julie tells Brian the story of the book, her writing process and what she learned about writing a book from this experience.Julie DiCaroPre-order “Sidleined”How the Breonna Taylor case went so wrongLastKillers of the Flower MoonThe SearcherCasteThe New Jim CrowThe 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn HardcastleSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Author Jeff Bens joins Brian this week to talk about his wonderful new novel, The Mighty Oak.Jeff, a professor at Manhattanville College, discusses his writing and research process for the book, why place and work are so important to his writing, and why and how he teaches his students to write from the gut and the heart, not from their brain.The Mighty OakThe Color of MoneyThe HustlerMrs BridgeSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Mike Freeman, a veteran NFL writer and author, joins Brian to talk about his new book, “Football's Fearless Activists” and how the movement led by Collin Kaepernick changed the NFL and sports in America.Mike talks about how he knew he would write a book about this movement the moment he first saw Kaepernick's protest in 2016, and how he knew he was done reporting and ready to write. Mike discusses how his 25 years of experience covering the NFL helped his reporting on this book, what it's like to release a book during the resurgence of Black Lives Matter protests, and what it's like to have Donald Trump read one of his articles during a rally.Most importantly, Mike gives Brian some much-needed advice on getting into Star Trek.Mike Freeman on TwitterFootball's Fearless ActivistsMike's other booksCasteSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Jeff Pearlman, the New York Times bestselling author, is back to talk about his new book, “Three-Ring Circus” about Shaq, Kobe and the 2000 Los Angeles Lakers.Jeff talks about where the idea for his latest book came from, what about these Lakers' teams made them a natural subject for a book and, in the end, why the book was so challenging to write and report. Jeff details why this was the most challenging of all his nine books to write and how the culture of sports has changed over the past thirty years and made reporting more difficult.Jeff also talks about his love of role players, spending a day in Montana with Phil Jackson, and where he was when he learned that Kobe Bryant had died. He also gives top-notch interview advice for young journalists.Jeff PearlmanJeff on TwitterThree-Ring CircusJeff's books on IndieBoundThe Mighty OakA Gentleman in MoscowDoug Christie-Rick Fox fightSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

A special little bonus episode for you about a girl and her dictionary.(Note: I refer to the Kory Stamper episode as Episode 47 when it was actually Episode 48. Whoops.)EPISODE 48: INTRODUCTORY LEXICOGRAPHY WITH KORY STAMPERDordThe Dog Eared BookSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Zach Roberts, an independent journalist who has been covering protests for more than 15 years, joins Brian this week to talk about covering the recent Black Lives Matter protests in Rochester, N.Y.Zach, who was Brian's student back in 2014, talks about how he got his start in freelance investigative journalism, how covering Occupy Wall Street changed the course of his career, and his experiences covering the protests of Daniel Prude's death in Rochester. Zach discusses what he does when arrives in a city to cover a protest, his tips for staying safe while being on the ground, and what it's like to have police officers shooting and targeting protests.Zach Roberts on TwitterSupport Zach's work on PatreonZach's portfolioTruth or FictionThe BoysKnowledge FightSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

A panel discussion from the AEJMC Conference, recorded virtually on Aug. 7, featuring Brian, Adam Hansmann (The Athletic), Dr. Molly Yanity (Quinnipiac), Ronen Shay (Fordham) and Anthony Palomba (University of Virginia).Are digital subscriptions the way forward for online journalism? This panel examines the emergence and the growth of the subscription model in digital journalism, with a focus on The Athletic's impact on sports journalism. The theoretical and pragmatic implications of this business model are discussed. The Athletic's success requires us as researchers and educators to examine its business model, and similar business models in online journalism, to determine what that success means for journalism writ large. In addition, their editorial focus (less digital churn, more longer stories) is worthy of discussion from both a media sociological point of view and a pragmatic, practitioner one.Adam HansmannMolly YanityRonen ShayAnthony PalombaSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Julia Azari, a professor at Marquette University and contributor to Five Thirty Eight, joins Brian to talk about public scholarship, politics and more.Julia and Brian talk about the challenges in teaching politics and journalism over the past four years, whether or not professor and journalists should openly talk about their politics, and how things have changed since the 2016 election.The main topic is public scholarship. Julia, who won the American Political Science Association's inaugural Best Public-Facing Scholarship Award, defines what public scholarship is, why it's so useful, and why it's not traditionally valued within the academic world. She gives advice to anyone looking to get into this world, but also provides some real talk about the risks involved.Julia Azari on TwitterJulia at Five Thirty EightWhy Conventions MatterMischiefs of FactionDelivering the People's Message: The Changing Politics of the Presidential MandateRange by David EpsteinThe Great Migration and the Democratic PartyThe Primary RulesSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Dr. Galen Clavio, the director of the National Sports Journalism Center at Indiana University, joins Brian to talk about his new book, “Social Media and Sports.”It's The Flip Side reunion the world has been waiting for!Galen and Brian - who've been podcasting together since the mid–2010s - discuss the challenges of writing a book on your own as opposed to being a co-author. Galen describes how he kept his target audience in mind throughout the writing process, the things he hated about textbooks that he tried to avoid, and how his focus on this project was specifically writing an eBook.Galen talks about how social media use in the sports world has evolved over the past decade, and he says that his most exciting moment in the book-writing process was unique.Galen Clavio on TwtterSocial Media and Sports with web resourcesThe Flip SideUndaunted Courage by Stephen E. AmbroseThe Caregiver by Samuel ParkThe History of RomeStardew ValleySubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Shea Serrano, three-time New York Times best-selling author and columnist for The Ringer, returns to The Other 51 to talk about movies, writing and his new short story.Take a spoiler-free deep dive into Shea's short story, Post: What's the biggest difference between writing fiction and nonfiction? What scared him most about the process? Why is the big idea the most important thing in everything he writes? And how does a great editor make all the difference? There's a great lesson to be found in knowing when to throw away an idea. And Shea drops some real talk about self-publishing.Plus, we obviously talk about Calvin & Hobbes and Short Circuit.Shea on TwitterHalfway Books - Buy POST hereShea at The RingerBuy all of Shea Serrano's booksEpisode 60: That's How Jobs Work with Shea SerranoThe ConnectDear Mr. WattersonI Got a MonsterCalvinSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupport

Michelle Garcia, the newly hired editor of NBCBLK and a veteran journalist, joins Brian to talk about professional reinvention, how journalists should be covering protest movements like Black Lives Matter, scrapbooking and more.You read that last part right. There's a whole racial reckoning happening in the scrapbooking world, and Michelle spills all the tea.Michelle, who first joined Brian in 2016 (remember when that was the worst year ever?), talks about the challenges of starting a new job while still working from home, what it was like to get laid off from Vice in May, and how that happening during the pandemic may have been for the best. Michelle discusses the importance of building a wide professional network before you need it as well as the importance of writers approaching stories with curiosity.And yeah. Scrapbooking.Michelle Garcia on TwitterNBCBLKEpisode 11: You May Know Her From the Library with Michelle GarciaRed, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Katie Barnes, a feature writer for ESPN, joins Brian this week to talk about writing, reporting, Title IX, activism in journalism, transgender athletes, Maya Moore and more.Katie talks about their career path to ESPN, and how their experience as an activist in the LGBTQ community helped their reporting. Katie and Brian do a deep dive into the three incredible stories Katie wrote for ESPN in June - about Maya Moore's quest for justice; the rights of transgender athletes the future of women's sports; and an interview with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe. How did Katie juggle reporting and writing all three stories at the same time? How did a proposed story about Maya Moore's faith turn into something so much bigger?Katie discusses their writing process, how being an external processor and talking through stories helps them figure out a story's big theme and structure.Also, Brian learns about the feud between St. Olaf and Carlton. It's a thing.Katie BarnesKatie on TwitterInside WNBA legend Maya Moore's extraordinary quest for justiceThe battle over Title IX and who gets to be a woman in sports: inside the raging national debateESPYS co-hosts Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird plot their course as athlete activists, white alliesThe Maddening Promise of Diamond DeShieldsA Murder Foretold by David GrannSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Jen Moritz, Brian's wife and the best editor he's ever met, joins us this week to talk about the importance of editing, language, and word choice in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.Jen talks about the conversations she is having with writers about the words they choose, what those words mean and how they can be interpreted. She discusses the Associated Press' decision to start capitalizing Black when referring to people, common phrases that have racist, classist or hateful origin stories, and how writers and editors can do better now and going forward. It's about reading the room, dude.Jen MoritzJen Moritz on TwitterAP changes writing style to capitalize ″b″ in BlackRed, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonThe Dreamers by Karen Thompson WalkerSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Amber Healy, a writer and journalist, joins Brian to talk about her writing career, her career path, and her love of Canadian Rock bands of the 1990s and early 2000s.OK, let's be real. Amber and Brian talk A LOT about their love of Canadian Rock bands of the 1990s.Amber and Brian talk about their respective paths to their shared love of Canadian alternative rock, how Toronto radio stations were to Buffalo kids what Buffalo TV stations were to Toronto kids, and what was so special about those bands? Sure, there's nostalgia. But what is it about The Tragically Hip, The Lowest of the Low, and the Odds that persists?Amber also talks about her work with Alan Cross (the legendary Toronto DJ), writing for several podcasts and what it was like to work for NASA.Note: This episode was recorded two weeks ago, before the start of protests against police brutalityAmber Healy on TwitterA Journal of Musical ThingsGeeks & BeatsGord Downie dead at 53The True North - A Spotify PlaylistHow to be a Person in the World by Heather HavrileskyAny Night of the Week by Jonny DovercourtDonate Campaign ZeroSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Joe Iconis, the Tony-nominated writer and composer of Be More Chill, joins Brian this week to talk about creativity in the time of COVID–19, his songwriting process, Keanu Reeves and more.Joe describes what it's like living in New York City during quarantine, what it's like to be in a dark theater district and a quiet Times Square, how he's able to keep writing despite everything going on, and how he's being inspired by art. But the real burning question: How would The Squip in Be More Chill have been different if Joe had seen Point Break before now?Joe and Brian talk about the collaborative process of writing a musical, how Joe can't write musical theater in a vacuum, what first drew him to the story of Be More Chill and his obsession with names.Joe also describes his songwriting process, how he never starts with music. And he gives advice to aspiring writers and performers and answers an incredibly nerdy Be More Chill question.Joe IconisJoe on TwitterJoe on InstagramBe More ChillScream Queen!Point BreakMr. Know-It-All by John WatersThe Colossus of New York by Colson WhiteheadSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Leander Schaerlaeckens, a lecturer at Marist College and columnist at Yahoo Sports, joins Brian to talk about teaching, column writing, Donald Trump's baseball career, and more.Leander and Brian compare notes from this crazy spring 2020 semester, and talk about what worked and didn't work in teaching sports media classes during the pandemic. Leander talks about how he used Discord in one of his classes.Leander, who refers to himself as an “accidental academic,” traces his career path from a growing up as a sports fan in Europe to being the first full-time soccer writer ESPN hired to his current gigs. He discusses how being an active columnist makes him a better teacher and how being a teacher has made him a better columnist. He also discusses the piece he wrote for Slate about Donald Trump's claims that he was a pro baseball prospect (spoiler alert, no), and how pursuing the truth no matter what and having the receipts can limit any potential backlash. There's also discussion of The Last Dance and how Michael Jordan epitomizes toxic masculinity.Leander SchaerlaeckensLeander on TwitterLeander at YahooWas Donald Trump Good at Baseball?Michael Jordan reminds us who he really is with ‘The Last Dance' — and it's not someone you want to be likeInto Thin AirSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSSSupportSupport Me on Ko-fi

Comic artist Katie Cook rejoins the podcast to talk about her delightful webcomic, “Nothing Special.”Katie and Brian (with help from Brian's daughter) do a deep dive into the world of “Nothing Special,” which has just started its third book on Webtoon. Katie discusses where the idea for the comic came from, how it was inspired in part by a Neil Gaiman novel and how this is the most “her” project she's ever done. Katie talks about how writing digital comics is different, and what it's like to write for a world of your own.Katie and Brian (and Brian's wife) also bond over life in quarantine and trying to keep their kids from making complete disasters of their Animal Crossing islands.Katie Cook… on Twitter… on InstagramNothing SpecialEpisode 33: Apple Jack Would Never Say This with Katie CookStardust by Neil GaimanSmall Town MurderThe Feather Thief by Kirk Wallach JohnsonSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSS

A decade ago, Michael Sharp and Brian had desks right next to each other. They were both sports writers at the Press & Sun-Bulletin in Binghamton (N.Y.). Michael covered minor-league hockey, Brian minor-league baseball and college sports. Now, they're both former sports writers. Michael works in marketing in Virginia, Brian's a professor. Michael and Brian reminisce about their careers as sports journalists. What happens when you realize the only job you've ever wanted isn't for you anymore? What made the 2000s such a weird time to be a sports writer, and what was it like to be the last generation that dreamed of being a “newspaper guy”?

Sports journalist, author and professor Melissa Isaacson joins Brian this week to talk about teaching, writing, reporting and the 1990s Chicago Bulls. Melissa and Brian start out by talking about what it's like to teach journalism — particularly sports journalism — during the cornavirus pandemic in 2020. Melissa talks about how being forced to teach online has made her a better professor, how to teach students to do better phone interviews and how this time can be an opportunity for students. Melissa then discusses her excellent book State and what it was like, as a journalist, to write such an incredibly personal work and the advice that S.L. Price gave her that jumpstarted her work. Then, of course, Brian and Melissa discuss The Last Dance. Melissa, who was the Bulls' beat writer for the Chicago Tribune for their first three championships, describes what it was like to cover Michael Jordan and those great Bulls teams. She and Brian also discuss the biggest ways journalism has changed since the mid-1990s. Hint — it's not all Twitter's fault. Melissa IsaacsonMelissa on TwitterThe Prologue to StateSome Things I RememberState: A Team, a Triumph, a TransformationLittle Fires EverywhereFear: Trump in the White HouseCatch and KillEducatedSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSS

Jon Campbell, who covers New York State government and Andrew Cuomo for USA Today Network-New York, joins Brian this to talk about being a government writer both in the BeforeTimes and the post-coronavirus world. The conversation starts with a lot of talk about where Upstate New York begins, why Jon loves trolling people about it, the differences between regions in New York State, and the trap that national writers fall into when writing about upstate. That moves into a deeper conversation about how Jon's journalism is influenced by being a lifelong upstate resident (go Lockport Lions). Jon discusses how he resisted being known as “The Fracking Guy” but also how owning that one specific beat involving state government helped him develop sources to cover the entire government. Jon then talks about covering Covid-19. He recalls the moment he realized just how major a story it was going to be, what it's like to cover Andrew Cuomo's press conferences, what it's like when Cuomo and President Trump start bickering with each other in real time, and the Covid-19 story he wants to tell. Jon Campbell at USA Today Network-NYJon Cambell on TwitterTruth in our Times by David McGrawSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastGoogle PlayRSS

Jared Diamond, a national baseball writer for the Wall Street Journal and the author of the new book “Swing Kings: The Inside Story of Baseball's Home Run Revolution,” joins Brian this week. Jared talks about how being a baseball writer during the Covid-19 Pandemic is a lot busier than you'd expect and where he was supposed to be this week before the world stopped. Jared and Brian discuss the writing and reporting of Swing Kings in depth. Jared talks about the unlikely role that Marlon Byrd played in his career, turning a good news paper story into a bool, and what a book proposal looks like and why it was so critical to his process, and why you always take the meeting. Jared talked about how he thought of the book like a movie, the difference between thinking of his sources and characters, and his oddly inspirational dedication to the book.

Less than five months ago, the last time Jesse Dougherty was a guest on the podcast, he had just started writing a book about the Washington Nationals World Series Championship. Now, the book is out, and Jesse makes the move from “guest star” to “regular cast member.” Jesse and Brian talk about the writing and reporting of “Buzz Saw.” Jesse describes how he got started with the project, what it was like to write a 90,000-word book in just seven weeks, and why coffee shops are so important to getting his work done and overcoming his natural tendencies toward procrastination. Jesse also talks about what makes the book's cover so special, and what it's like to release a book during the middle of a global pandemic.