Podcasts about characters

To wrap up this January, we're revisiting our inspiring conversation with the woman you've heard a thousand times but don't know it: Voice Actor Tara Strong! Tara Strong opens up about her struggles with body image, why she believes magic is real, her manifestation process for attracting positivity, her connection to non-human beings and star planets, and what she thinks we can all learn from cartoons. In this magical episode, Tara also reveals the secrets behind creating some of the most iconic characters in animation! (POWER PUFF GIRLS' “Bubbles”, THE FAIRLY ODD PARENTS' “Timmy Turner”, “Harley Quinn”....and MANY more!) From discovering her voice acting gift at an early age to discussing her favorite roles, we explore Tara's unique connection with “the characters that live in her head”, her advice for aspiring voice actors, and her insights into the power of positivity and resilience. PLUS Mayim discusses her own animated voiceover acting career, the “emotional freedom” technique, and how tapping acupressure points can help you through stressful situations. Discover the science behind manifestation, self-fulfilling prophecies, the laws of attraction, and the ties between resilience and positive thinking. Follow us on Substack for Exclusive Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BialikBreakdown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/mayimbialik⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bid Dickman tracks down Dr Ed Elcott and gets an exclusive interview with him at the Blue Moon Motel.Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, we chat to creepy thriller writer Sally-Anne Martyn.Sally-Anne didn't grow up wanting to be a writer. She studied performing arts, working in film and TV, before working many different jobs in many different places, even a stint as a carer in one of England's last asylums. In her 40's, she had the epiphany that perhaps writing had always been waiting for her. She took that realisation very seriously, enrolling on writing courses, and life-coaching seminars, all to try and make her dream of being published come true. When it finally happened, she was shocked at how quickly the realities of being a writer set in. You can hear all about that in the chat.She's published 'The Clinic', 'The Home', and her new novel is 'The Beauty Queen'. It's all about the journalist Zoe Kincade, who arrives in the rundown seaside town of Sunshine Sands to report on the local talent show. Within moments, it brings up memories of her sister, and the last place she was seen alive, when she was also crowned Miss Sunshine Sands.We discuss dark thrillers, and how she's always improving her routine. You can hear why Sally-Anne is envious of old-school writers, how different jobs have influenced her novel ideas, and why she's a member of the 5am club.Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by 'Whale Cemetery', the 12th instalment in the 'DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thriller' series by Ely North. Get a free book here - https://elynorthcrimefiction.com/Support the show - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineSubscribe to the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few of us are sick this week, so please accept this classic episode this week. It's the 2nd annual Thank The Maker Star Wars Fantasy draft! Lines will be drawn. Characters will be chosen. Teams will be assembled. Who will win? Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future. Follow and message us on Instagram to get 15% off your first purchase at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rsvlts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Follow TTM on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thankthemakerpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to "WHAT CHOICE? - Star Wars Fans For Abortion Access" at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gofundme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow the hosts on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Adam Russell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick Ghanbarian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠William Ryan Key⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mike Forester⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jason Chiodo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ahsoka, Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Rosario Dawson, Hayden Christensen, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, The Book of Boba Fett, The Bad Batch, The High Republic, #makesolo2happen, The Mandalorian, Star Wars Visions, Anime, Star Wars Anime, Disney Gallery, Galactic Starcruiser, Halcyon, Chandrila Star Line, Galaxy's Edge, Rogue Squadron, Disney+ Day, Hondo Supply, Armor Party, Kathleen Kennedy, Star Wars Celebration, Star Wars Black Series, Temuera Morrison, Black Krrsantan, Tosche Station, Danny Trejo, Fennec Shand, Ming-Na Wen, Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker, Cad Bane, Princess Leia, Vivien Lyra Blair, Carrie Fisher, Tales of the Jedi, Cassian Andor, Bix Caleen, Brasso, Luthen Rael, Mon Mothma, Vel Sartha, Cinta Kaz, Dedra Meero, Syril Karn, Orson Krennic, Ryan Gosling, Mia Goth

Well, isn't that special? We have 10 trivia questions on SNL characters! If you'd like to choose a specific topic or dedicate an episode to a friend send a donation of your choice to our PayPal (NoChitChatTrivia@gmail.com) or our Venmo @NoChitChatTrivia and write the topic you'd like in the comments: https://account.venmo.com/NoChitChatTrivia Our official store is live!  Support the show by grabbing a NCCT shirt, hat, puzzle, or more: https://www.thetop10things.com/store Social Media Links: TikTok, Instagram, FaceBook, YouTube Visit our sister site thetop10things.com for travel and entertainment information! Thank you to everyone who listens!  Say hello or let's collaborate: nochitchattrivia@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Norton has an idea for a Melania Trump movie that's a sure winner. “Chris Norton presents Melania Trump. What it Is!” In it she occasionally flashes ass crack.Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the RPGBOT.Podcast, where today's lesson is simple: cosmic horror, but with punchable Nazis. If classic Call of Cthulhu is about fragile academics discovering forbidden truths and immediately dying, Pulp Cthulhu is about kicking down the door, firing a shotgun at an elder god, and saying, "That all you got?" This episode is about concepts, themes, and vibes—the part of the game where sanity is optional, luck is currency, and surviving certain death might involve parachuting into a hot-air balloon you didn't know was there. Grab your fedora. We're going full pulp. Show Notes What Is Pulp Cthulhu? Pulp Cthulhu is a fully compatible variant of Call of Cthulhu that dials the game from existential despair to high-octane pulp adventure. Characters are tougher, more competent, and far more likely to survive long enough to matter. If Call of Cthulhu is The Thing or Evil Dead, Pulp Cthulhu is The Mummy, Army of Darkness, or Indiana Jones with eldritch nightmares.  Core Themes & Tone Heroic pulp action instead of grim cosmic inevitability Investigators who can take multiple hits and keep fighting A lighter, often comedic tone without abandoning horror Quips, gadgets, globe-trotting, and cinematic set pieces This makes Pulp Cthulhu an excellent transition for players coming from Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other heroic tabletop RPGs. Setting & Genre Shift Time period: 1930s, just before World War II Scope: Global adventures—London, Cairo, jungles, ruins, secret bases Enemies: Cultists, mythos horrors… and a suspicious number of Nazis The game leans hard into classic pulp tropes: secret societies, forbidden relics, occult conspiracies, and globe-spanning races against evil. Core Mechanics D100 roll-under system with degrees of success Regular, Hard, and Extreme successes replace DCs Fumbles and pushed rolls create escalating consequences Skills improve when you fail them during advancement These mechanics reward specialization while keeping tension high, even for highly skilled characters. What Makes Pulp Cthulhu Different? Archetypes Two-Fisted Hero, Hard-Boiled Detective, Mystic, Mad Scientist, Femme Fatale, and more Each archetype boosts a core characteristic and grants bonus skills Talents Passive and active abilities that enhance combat, investigation, or survivability Categories include Physical, Mental, Combat, and Weird Science Hit Points Roughly double standard Call of Cthulhu HP Still deadly—just less instantly fatal Luck as a Meta-Currency Spend luck to: Cancel fumbles Reduce damage Stay conscious Cheat death entirely (with a suitably ridiculous explanation) Luck regenerates every session, encouraging aggressive use Insanity, Magic, and Weird Science Insane Talents can grant powerful abilities with narrative drawbacks Magic is faster to learn but still dangerous and unpredictable Psychic powers like telekinesis and clairvoyance are viable builds Weird Science introduces death rays, jetpacks, ghost detectors, and other Flash-Gordon-adjacent nonsense Yes, you can build a psychic mind-wizard or a mad scientist with a death ray. The game actively wants you to try. The Pulp Meter The game supports multiple pulp levels: Low Pulp: Almost classic Call of Cthulhu Mid Pulp: Standard Pulp Cthulhu rules High Pulp: Extra talents, cinematic survivability, full nonsense This episode sets the stage for going high pulp in future sessions Key Takeaways Pulp Cthulhu trades hopeless cosmic horror for heroic pulp survival Characters are tougher, more competent, and more fun to invest in Luck is a central mechanic that fuels cinematic storytelling The 1930s setting enables globe-trotting, occult conspiracies, and pulp villains Perfect for groups who want action, investigation, and horror without constant character death If you've ever wanted to punch Cthulhu—or at least shoot near him—this is your game Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati  

“Return of the Mack” prices to be even more dangerous as Larry Grover, General Shaw and Dr Jim Sadler tell stories. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textA killer marionette, a sleepy music box, and a town that throws a FazFest for reasons no one can explain—welcome to our breakdown of Five Nights at Freddy's 2, where the lore expands and the logic contracts. We dig into the 1982 prologue that binds Charlotte's ghost to the puppet, the early-2000s reset that reopens old wounds, and the sequel's habit of inventing rules only to ignore them when the plot needs a shortcut.We walk through the set pieces that actually slap: the ghost-hunter incursion at the original location and the eerie boat-ride tunnel lined with tiny puppet figures that swarm like piranhas. The craft shines in these scenes—moody lighting, tactile animatronics, and a sense of place that finally feels dangerous. Then the film pivots back to a perimeter lock that makes little sense, a remote-control marionette that can apparently signal anywhere, and a town-wide FazFest that's constantly mentioned but never shown. Horror thrives on rules and payoff; this story keeps moving the goalposts.Characters nearly rescue the chaos. Abby's robotics arc and the science fair debacle give us a grounded angle that could have centered the movie's heart. Vanessa's dream duel with her father hints at an internal battle that deserved more time. And when Mike tricks an animatronic with a faceplate “friendly” scan—a wink to the games—we're reminded how playful this universe can be. Our biggest plea: honor the music box. It's the most elegant mechanic in the film, a physical clock for dread, and the climax forgets to keep it wound.By the end, ghost kids rip apart the villains and ascend, the body count stays oddly low for a sequel, and we're left convinced there's a sharper movie beneath the noise—one where children's belief keeps Freddy's legend alive while adults try to bury it. If that tension drives part three, there's still hope for this franchise to feel both scary and coherent. Enjoy the ride, shout along at the plot holes, and tell us what worked for you. If you're into thoughtful takedowns of messy sequels, hit follow, share with a friend, and drop your hottest FazFest theory in a review.Be our friend!Dan: @shakybaconTony: @tonydczechAnd follow the podcast on IG: @hatewatchingDAT

he Best of Commodore Ray Coneil features Chris Norton’s “Cove Run,” a run over to Channel Islands for …well, some fun. Plus other antics from the El Pacifico Yacht Club. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the celebration of Dr Elcott’s and Gloria Grover’s “Blend-a-ment” (anniversary) Dr Elcott hears “Return of the Mack” and loses his mind. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the five craft techniques that make morally gray characters impossible to put down—so you can write complex, compelling figures readers will argue about, defend, and love despite everything.Morally gray characters are some of the most memorable in fiction. Think Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones), Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows), Severus Snape (Harry Potter), or Amy Dunne (Gone Girl). These are the characters readers can't stop thinking about long after the book is finished.But what actually makes them work? It's not randomness or shock value. And it's definitely not just "bad person with a sad backstory." It's intentional craft.In this episode, I'm breaking down five tips for writing morally gray characters that feel authentic, nuanced, and impossible to look away from—whether you're writing fantasy, thriller, romance, or any other genre.You'll hear me talk about things like:[02:45] What "morally gray" actually means and how it differs from the antihero—so you can stop conflating the two and start building true moral complexity.[04:25] How to create a character worldview that justifies their actions, including the role of backstory, goals, and the personal code that reveals what they truly value.[07:51] Why lose-lose dilemmas are essential for morally gray characters—and how to construct impossible choices that test your character and keep readers emotionally invested.[10:05] The importance of letting your character make questionable choices with real consequences—and why softening the gray undermines everything you've built.[12:50] How to keep readers invested in a morally gray character even when their choices are hard to stomach (hint: it's not about making them likable).[14:54] The redemption arc trap most writers fall into—and why the best morally gray characters don't get "fixed" by the end of the story.If you've ever struggled to write a complex antagonist, a flawed protagonist, or a love interest readers can't quite root for but can't look away from either, this episode will give you the tools to craft morally gray characters with confidence and intention.

We are back and celebrating 400 episodes of the Zelda Cast a few weeks later, and we've brought some friends along too! This week, we're joined by Adrielle Munger, Jules Gia, Nicole Scott, and Rod Lloyd to play a classic forum game called Hurt & Heal! The premise is simple: 20 Zelda characters start off with zero points, and each turn, players need to take a point away from a character and give a point to a different character! Every 3 rounds, the character with the lowest point total is eliminated! This is an episode you might want to watch the video of just to keep track! We're also taking a minute to acknowledge the horrible couple of weeks in the real world - stay strong and stay safe out there, friends. Thank you for all the support over these last 8 years!   Support The Zelda Cast on Patreon! Subscribe to receive the monthly bonus show ‘The Zelda XL featuring Andy and Gooey”! Follow The Zelda Cast! The Zelda Cast (@TheZeldaCast) Andy Spiteri (@Spiteri316) Alasyn Eletha (@AlasynEletha) Twitch x Facebook x Discord x Tik-Tok x BlueSky Advertise on The Zelda Cast! See Options Here! Subscribe to The Zelda Cast! Apple Podcasts x Podbean x Spotify x iTunes x Google Podcasts x iHeart Radio x PlayerFM

Here are the links for the books, websites and classes I mention in the episode.LiveWriteThrive.com has a LOT of great courses on writing.Reedsy.com/learning is also a great source. Get on their newsletter!I have several masterclasses on Scenes and Characters that you can find on my curios page.Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterWant more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I'm reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell

The Final Destination is the point where a once-clever horror concept finally admits it has nothing left to say. By the fourth entry, the franchise's core gimmick—cheating Death via a premonition—has gone from macabre novelty to rote obligation. The film feels less like a continuation and more like a contractual requirement, dutifully shuffling through the motions with no real interest in escalating ideas or tension. The most obvious sign of creative exhaustion is the desperate embrace of 3D. Objects fly at the camera with all the subtlety of a carnival ride, and none of it integrates meaningfully into the storytelling. Instead, scenes pause so a tire iron, lawn mower blade, or random shard of debris can be hurled directly at the audience, reminding you that the movie exists primarily to justify its ticket surcharge. It's not immersive; it's intrusive, and it dates the film almost immediately. Worse, the kills themselves lack the elaborate Rube Goldberg flair that once defined the series. The chain reactions are shorter, sloppier, and often telegraphed so clearly that suspense evaporates well before the payoff. Characters are thin sketches whose sole narrative function is to stand near something dangerous until the script decides it's time for gravity or combustion to intervene. There is, however, one scene that almost feels like effort was expended: a cartoonishly vile Nazi who can't read addresses and somehow gets blackout drunk on three beers. His demise is abrupt, mean-spirited, and oddly satisfying—less because it's clever than because the film briefly aligns audience morality with Death's bookkeeping. He dies, and that's good. Unfortunately, that single moment of grim amusement isn't enough to rescue a sequel that mistakes louder, closer, and more gimmicky for fresh.

We are back and celebrating 400 episodes of the Zelda Cast a few weeks later, and we've brought some friends along too! This week, we're joined by Adrielle Munger, Jules Gia, Nicole Scott, and Rod Lloyd to play a classic forum game called Hurt & Heal! The premise is simple: 20 Zelda characters start off with zero points, and each turn, players need to take a point away from a character and give a point to a different character! Every 3 rounds, the character with the lowest point total is eliminated! This is an episode you might want to watch the video of just to keep track! We're also taking a minute to acknowledge the horrible couple of weeks in the real world - stay strong and stay safe out there, friends. Thank you for all the support over these last 8 years!   Support The Zelda Cast on Patreon! Subscribe to receive the monthly bonus show ‘The Zelda XL featuring Andy and Gooey”! Follow The Zelda Cast! The Zelda Cast (@TheZeldaCast) Andy Spiteri (@Spiteri316) Alasyn Eletha (@AlasynEletha) Twitch x Facebook x Discord x Tik-Tok x BlueSky Advertise on The Zelda Cast! See Options Here! Subscribe to The Zelda Cast! Apple Podcasts x Podbean x Spotify x iTunes x Google Podcasts x iHeart Radio x PlayerFM

Series: N/AService: Lord's Supper EulogyType: EulogySpeaker: Brian Perconti Sr.

Peter & Jason breakdown the latest coming and going in a galaxy far far away with talking points including:-Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord | Official Teaser Trailer | Streaming April 6th.-Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord | First Poster, Characters and Locations RevealedFollow us:Patreonhttps://patreon.com/StarBoresX (twitter)https://twitter.com/BoresStarTikTokhttp://tiktok.com/@starborespodcastInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/starborespodcast/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLmtO6_i6WBBlVIm2h0V-qwFaceBookhttps://www.facebook.com/StarBoresPodcast

And now, the original “Return of the Mack” show where Commodore Ray Coneil admits to losing his mind over some sl*t named Julie Burnside. And Bobbie Dooley threatens legal action after someone describes her ass as “tired.”Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More with Frank Caliendo! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Characters make books. Why are these guys in opposition? And were they actually really? How can you be in opposition with someone you never met? How can you be in opposition with somebody who's essentially sharing the same plight you're sharing in the country? And that brings in the other character. It's Branch Rickey. Branch Rickey is the puppet master of this entire book. Branch Rickey is the puppet master of that entire period," says Howard Bryant, author of Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America.We've got Howard Bryant (@howardbryantbooks) back on the show for Ep. 509. Howard is the best-selling author of several books and his latest is Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. It's published by Mariner Books.Howard's book takes a new framing on two iconic Black American icons of the 20th century. Very few people know much about Paul Robeson, who was a brilliant football player, but perhaps more famous as a baritone singer and stage actor. Jackie Robinson was the first Black American to play major league baseball, breaking the color barrier in baseball.The two were separated by some twenty years, never met in person, but were pitted against each other during the second Red Scare, kings turned into pawns. The authoritarian, McCarythian overreach of the era very much echoes our current moment. Robeson's career, his life, was ruined. It's a complicated story brilliantly orchestrated by one of the best writers this country has on offer.Howard is the author of The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron, Juicing the Game: Drugs, Power, and the Fight for the Soul of Major League Baseball, Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original, The Heritage: Black Athletes, A Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism, and Full Dissidence: Notes from an Uneven Playing Field, and he also was the guest editor of The Best American Sports Writing Series. You're in for a treat. You can learn more about Howard at howardbryant.net and follow him on IG @howardbryantbooks.In this episode we talk about: When you know it's a book Who are your stars? How he reshaped the book by fixing the introduction How he bridged the gap between Robinson and Robeson's timelines How Branch Rickey, this vaunted angle of integration, wasn't exactly so holy And Howard's favorite thing about writingOrder The Front RunnerWelcome to Pitch ClubShow notes: brendanomeara.com

In this episode of Reza Rifts, Keith Reza interviews his acting hero, John Cusack, exploring various aspects of Cusack's career, including his experiences in filmmaking, scriptwriting, and the importance of music in film. They discuss the emotional depth of storytelling, the challenges of acting in historical roles, and the dynamics of collaboration on set. Cusack shares insights on the impact of directors and editors, memorable experiences with co-stars, and his thoughts on perfectionism in the creative process. The conversation culminates in Cusack's reflections on his career and advice to his younger self, making it a heartfelt and inspiring dialogue. Follow John IG @johncusack  https://www.instagram.com/johncusack/  X @johncusack  https://x.com/johncusack  Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:44 - The Impact of Family in Filmmaking 05:31 - Writing and Rewriting Scripts 08:12 - The Role of Music in Film 10:53 - Exploring Emotional Depth in Characters 13:39 - Guerrilla Filmmaking and Character Development 16:13 - The Art of Monologues and Dialogue 19:04 - Historic Roles and Research in Acting 21:56 - Personal Connections with Characters 24:37 - Searching for John Cusack: Anecdotes and Experiences 31:12 - The Art of Filmmaking: Writing, Shooting, and Editing 32:11 - Transitioning from Screenwriting to Graphic Novels 33:44 - Connecting with Fans: The Power of Cameo 35:08 - The Impact of Movies on Audiences 37:55 - The Evolution of Comedy and Performance 39:51 - Creating a Unique Film Concept 41:38 - Life Lessons: Reflections on Youth and Perfectionism   Follow Keith on all social media platforms: Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61  FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza  ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza  X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza  TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza  Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/  Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter!   #JohnCusack  #BehindTheScenes  #FilmmakingSecrets  #sayanything #actorinterview

Commodore Ray Coneil from the El Pacifico Yacht Club can’t stop singing “Return of the Mack.” Also Jay Santos. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Impending doomsday diary entry 876, from Donaldson and Moore's bunker studios…As the world casually burns, we still find time to enjoy Looksmaxxing bros continuing to shoot themselves in the reproductive organs in their quest for hotness - as well as the Tate Brothers conducting their own Donaldson weekender.Plus, the big questions answered: who are our own Top G influencers? What's the best substance to soak your hands in before fighting? How to best bribe your children? What's the optimum time to have dinner? Consider this a public service to you all. Battery Robot has had his firmware update and needs to guzzle down on your submissions! Get them into: hello@lukeandpeteshow.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unveiling the Mystery: The Indian GiverIn this episode of 'The Adventures of Philip Marlowe,' we delve into a gripping tale titled 'The Indian Giver.' The story begins with Marlowe being approached by Mr. Van Nord, who seeks his help regarding a mysterious piece of pottery that arrived with a shipment of Indian curios. The bowl, adorned with unusual inscriptions, piques Marlowe's curiosity, leading him into a web of intrigue involving archaeologists, a beautiful woman named Mona Waters, and a series of unexpected events that culminate in murder. As Marlowe navigates through deception and danger, he uncovers the true significance of the bowl and its connection to a hidden treasure, all while trying to protect those involved from the dark forces at play.The narrative unfolds with Marlowe's characteristic wit and sharp observations, as he interacts with a colorful cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets. The tension escalates when a murder occurs, forcing Marlowe to race against time to solve the mystery and recover the stolen artifact. The episode is a classic example of Raymond Chandler's storytelling, blending elements of crime, culture, and the complexities of human relationships in a captivating manner.In the heart of a bustling city, a seemingly ordinary piece of pottery becomes the epicenter of a thrilling tale. This artifact, adorned with unique inscriptions, draws the attention of an archaeologist, a sophisticated woman, and a private detective. As the story unfolds, the pottery reveals its connection to cultural heritage and hidden treasures, leading to deception and murder.The Enigmatic PotteryThe narrative begins with the discovery of an unlisted piece of pottery in a shipment. Its inscriptions, unlike any seen before, pique the curiosity of an archaeologist. This curiosity sets off a chain of events, drawing in a beautiful woman named Mona Waters and the astute detective, Philip Marlowe.A Web of IntrigueAs Marlowe delves deeper, he uncovers a web of intrigue. The pottery, it seems, holds the key to a treasure map, etched into its surface. This revelation turns the artifact into a coveted prize, leading to a deadly game of cat and mouse.The Quest for TreasureThe story reaches its climax as the characters race against time to unlock the secrets of the pottery. With each twist and turn, the stakes grow higher, culminating in a dramatic showdown that leaves readers on the edge of their seats."The Indian Giver" is a masterful blend of suspense, cultural exploration, and the timeless allure of hidden treasures. It reminds us that sometimes, the most ordinary objects can hold the most extraordinary secrets.Subscribe NowStay tuned for more thrilling tales and uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. Subscribe for the latest updates and stories that captivate the imagination.TakeawaysCrime is a sucker's road.The bowl has inscriptions that could lead to treasure.Marlowe's wit often reveals deeper truths.Characters are often not what they seem.The significance of cultural artifacts is profound.Philip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler, The Indian Giver, crime fiction, detective story, archaeology, murder mystery, classic radio drama, vintage storytelling

Another laid back episode with a family holiday pod live from Ocean Grove. Find our Patreon page HERE.Join the How 'Bout This Discord server to be part of the conversation.Spark Podcast Network.Executive Produced by Jason Geary, Karl McConnell and Rik Brown.Produced and Edited by Jason Geary.Music by THE Robbie Ellis. Check him out on Spotify here. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Bob Green, Margaret Grey, Bud Dickman and Ted Bell discuss the infamous “ hostage” situation. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson Very few games have ever had the hype cycle that Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry, 2025) had, so the question remained once the game was finally released- did it live up to the hype? Clown masks and Nintendo Direct comment section explosions quickly gave way to Discourse surrounding Silksong's difficulty and sometimes anti-QoL approach. So was the juice worth the squeeze? Listen in to find out. Guest info: Jenny Windom (she/her) Check out Geeks & Grounds podcast https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/ Check out Jenny's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/kimchica TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:13 Introductions 9:06 Our Histories with Hollow Knight and Silksong 12:45 Opening Thoughts about Silksong 18:26 Difficulty and Accessibility 23:19 Story Setup and Visuals 27:31 The Pilgrimage, Characters and Voice Acting 36:25 The Pilgrimage and Anti-QoL Design 48:29 Challenge Ramp-Up and Difficulty Curve 57:53 Silksong- A Good Teacher & Overcoming Challenge 1:05:47 Metroidvania Design, Visuals and Music 1:14:18 Boss Fights, Combat Challenges and Runbacks 1:33:42 Crests, Tools, Customization 1:40:40 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 1:45:54 Geeks & Grounds and Jenny's Other Work 1:51:22 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:53:13 Spoiler Section- Favorite Boss Fights 2:18:22 Spoiler Section- The Citadel and Faith 2:27:46 Spoiler Section- Hornet's Growth, Sherma and Community 2:45:23 Spoiler Section- Motherhood and Endings Music used in the episode is credited to Christopher Larkin. Tracks used: Silksong, Bone Bottom, Trobbio, Cogwork Dancers, Bilewater, Far Fields, Lost Lace, Fleatopia Social Media: BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/ Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

DARKER THAN EXPECTED!! Percy Jackson & The Olympians Season 2 Full Reaction Watch Along:   / thereelrejects   Visit https://huel.com/rejects to get 15% off your order Percy Jackson 2x7 Reaction:    • PERCY JACKSON Season 2 Episode 7 REACTION!...   Gift Someone (Or Yourself) An RR Tee! https://shorturl.at/hekk2 Another season comes to an end as Greg & Tara give their Percy Jackson Season 2 Finale Reaction, Recap, Breakdown, Commentary, & Full Season Spoiler Review! Greg Alba & Tara Erickson react to Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2, Episode 8 — the epic season finale, as the Disney+ series brings the Sea of Monsters storyline to a climactic, prophecy-shifting conclusion. With Camp Half-Blood on the brink of destruction and Cronos's manipulation finally laid bare, this episode delivers large-scale action, major mythological reveals, and lasting consequences for Percy and his friends. After an emotional parting with his mother, Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and Tyson sneak back into Camp Half-Blood in an attempt to help get the Golden Fleece to Thalia's tree. Standing in their way is Luke, jilted from Cronos's influence & deception, leading a makeshift army of monsters & demigods to burn Camp Half-Blood to the ground, forcing Percy into another emotionally charged confrontation that tests loyalty, destiny, and free will as an all-out battle breaks loose at the camp. The chaos culminates with Clarisse reaching Thalia's tree with the Golden Fleece, only to trigger a massive blast resurrecting Thalia... In the aftermath, Percy experiences a powerful dream-vision with his father Poseidon, confirming the Titans have been freed & enlisting Percy and Tyson's help in the war to come. Later, a reinstated Chiron recounts the truth of Thalia's past and the message once delivered to her by the Furies. The episode's final revelations land hard when Zeus (Courtney B. Vance – The People v. O.J. Simpson) is revealed as Thalia's father, attempting—and failing—to bend her toward the prophecy and his protection. Thalia's reunion with Annabeth in the final moments signals a future where Cronos may once again seek to twist destiny itself. And we get a cheeky li'l post-credits scene with Circe (Rosemarie DeWitt)! Season 2's Cast of Characters includes: Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries), Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri), Clarisse La Rue (Dior Goodjohn), Luke Castellan (Charlie Bushnell), Thalia Grace (actress TBD), Sally Jackson (Virginia Kull), Tyson (Daniel Diemer), Chiron / Mr. Brunner (Glynn Turman), Dionysus / Mr. D (Jason Mantzoukas), Hermes (Lin-Manuel Miranda), & More! Follow Tara Erickson: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaraErickson Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/taraerickson/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thetaraerickson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Santos, Major Elvis Newton and Dil Boobery discuss the times when bad weather and discipline almost broke the CAP. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Unveiling the Mysteries of "The Island of Ancient Death"This story delves into the thrilling adventures of the Shadow, exploring themes of mystery, crime, and the supernatural. The narrative unfolds on a mysterious island where dark secrets are revealed, including a diary that uncovers a haunting past. As the characters navigate through danger and intrigue, they confront the unknown, leading to a gripping investigation filled with suspense and horror.In the heart of a semi-tropical storm, Lamont Cranston, known as The Shadow, embarks on a chilling adventure to uncover the secrets of a mysterious island. Armed with his hypnotic powers, Cranston, alongside his companion Margo Lane, delves into the island's hidden passageways and secret laboratories. The narrative takes a dark turn with the discovery of human bones, weaving a tale of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural.As the storm rages on, Cranston's journey is fraught with danger and intrigue. The island's eerie atmosphere is heightened by the presence of a hidden laboratory, where sinister experiments unfold. The story explores themes of fear and the unknown, as Cranston and Lane navigate through the island's treacherous terrain.This gripping tale is a testament to the power of storytelling, capturing the imagination with its blend of mystery and adventure. As Cranston unravels the island's secrets, readers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind "The Island of Ancient Death."Subscribe now to follow more thrilling adventures and uncover the mysteries that lie within.TakeawaysThe Shadow represents the fight against evil.The island serves as a backdrop for uncovering dark secrets.Characters face moral dilemmas in their quest for truth.The diary reveals a historical connection to the island's mysteries.Human remains indicate a dark past of slavery.The investigation leads to unexpected dangers.The narrative intertwines elements of horror and adventure.The characters' relationships deepen under pressure.The use of suspense keeps the audience engaged.The story emphasizes the consequences of curiosity. Shadow, mystery, adventure, crime, investigation, island, diary, secrets, drama, horror

Send us a textIn this episode of Characters From Corporate, the mic opens for an honest conversation about fear, ambition, and the invisible barriers people put on themselves.The episode explores what it really takes to transition into corporate life without traditional credentials, why fear keeps capable people stuck, and how access, internships, and creative pathways can open doors when titles and degrees do not. It also raises a bigger question about the changing value of college, technology, and who actually belongs in corporate spaces.A listener from Wilmington, Delaware writes in anonymously. He is a Black man in his early thirties working on an assembly line at a manufacturing plant. No college degree, but a deep desire to be in corporate spaces. Boardrooms. Deal making. Strategy. He knows he has more to offer, but admits he has stayed where he is out of fear. Fear of not being qualified. Fear of not being chosen. Fear of pushing his way into rooms he feels were not designed for him. Productive LeadersOur expert fractional executive services provide the leadership and guidance you need to scale.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showGAIN ACCESS TO THE CONVERSATIONS WE CAN'T HAVE ON THE MAIN FEED Have a voice in the show so episodes reflect the real questions, struggles, and wins you care about. Build real financial confidence with a full course that helps you make smarter money moves, not just collect random tips. Get the full story behind every guest so you can learn from what they did right, what they hid, and what they regret. Understand how each episode was born so you can see the thought process, lessons, and strategy you can apply in your own life. Connect with a like-minded community so you are not doing healing, legacy building, and wealth creation alone. SEND US YOUR STORIES (START-UPS, CORPORATE STORIES) moneysexgenx@gmail.com FINANCIAL TOOLS: AI powered Financial Coach Fin literacy course Stock course Accelerator SCALE YOUR EMERGING COMPANY O...

Brandon Sanderson is one of the most popular living authors, and definitely rules king in the fantasy world. "Mistborn" is one of the older works in the Cosmere, but it holds steady in its popularity. Is it still worth the hype?

Notes and Links to Farah Ali's Work   Farah Ali is from Pakistan. She is the writer of the novels Telegraphy (January 2026, CB editions), and The River, The Town, as well as the short story collection People Want to Live. Her fiction has been anthologized in Best Small Fictions and the Pushcart Prize where it has also received special mention. She is the cofounder of Lakeer, a digital space for writing from Pakistan, and reviews editor at Wasafiri.

This is a recap of the top 10 posts on Hacker News on January 17, 2026. This podcast was generated by wondercraft.ai (00:30): ASCII characters are not pixels: a deep dive into ASCII renderingOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46657122&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(01:55): The recurring dream of replacing developersOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46658345&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(03:20): If you put Apple icons in reverse it looks like someone getting good at designOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46663338&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(04:46): US electricity demand surged in 2025 – solar handled 61% of itOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46656903&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(06:11): PCs refuse to shut down after Microsoft patchOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46656998&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(07:37): Map To Poster – Create Art of your favourite cityOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46656834&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(09:02): ClickHouse acquires LangfuseOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46656552&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(10:28): After 25 years, Wikipedia has proved that news doesn't need to look like newsOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46656911&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(11:53): Raising money fucked me upOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46660543&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(13:19): 2025 was the third hottest year on recordOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46659913&utm_source=wondercraft_aiThis is a third-party project, independent from HN and YC. Text and audio generated using AI, by wondercraft.ai. Create your own studio quality podcast with text as the only input in seconds at app.wondercraft.ai. Issues or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: team@wondercraft.ai

rom the production studios of Rory MacLeod comes The Best of Chef Carl Chodillia Vol 1, the Early Years! Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Meltzer is back talking comics and his amazing novels. You ever hold a book in your hand and feel like the world just flipped on its axis? That's what happens when Brad drops a thriller. And today? We've get the lowdown on The Viper — the latest, pulse-pounding, turn-every-page thriller that just hit bookstores and is already getting the kind of buzz most authors only dream about. It's a bizzare case for Nola Brown, High stakes. Deep conspiracies. Characters you swear are real. That's classic Meltzer — smart, sharp, unrelenting — and The Viper delivers in spades.But if you think that's big… wait for this. Brad Meltzer is stepping into an entirely new arena. A crossover that nobody saw coming — a collision of icons that will shake the comics world to its core. He's writing Spider-Man/Superman — yes, Spider-Man and Superman — in an unprecedented crossover event for Marvel, dropping mid-April. Two universes. Two legends. One story. And Brad is the architect. So buckle up, because whether you're here for the thriller or the superhero spectacle, Brad Meltzer just flipped the script — again.

Dog stuff...Poop stuff...Matt chooses his dick...Doug needs to trim his pubes...Matt is old...A segment dies before it has a chance to live...Doug hates spiral staircases...Identifying characteristics when describing people...Characters constantly having to go take a shit...One of the better Bonds...Matt discovers a new cinematic universe...Will the veto get played...

**Special note to our listeners** Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going! Become a paid subscriber through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your contributions help us continue to make content on issues related to the Asian-American, immigrant, modern parent experience.THANK YOU to our super awesome listeners who have already signed up!---------------------------------------Spoiler alert! Though we don't go into any shows in deep detail, we do talk about the high-level plot lines of Crash Landing on You, Queen of Tears, Castaway Diva, The Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Winter Sonata, Bon Appetit Your Majesty and When Life Gives You Tangerines.If you've ever promised yourself "just one more episode and I'll go to sleep" past midnight while watching a Kdrama, this is a safe space for you ≧☉_☉≦. If you don't know what we are talking about, you can skip this episode... or listen and choose to enter the delightfully addictive world of Kdramas +_+Why so delightful you ask? Why so addictive? Isn't this just a soap opera but filled with Korean actors instead of American ones? Oh no my dearie... Kdramas are a whole 'nother beast, by turns beautiful, cuddly, cute, hilarious, dark and vengeful. There are storylines that grab you but you won't see often in Western shows (we explore why). Characters that pretty much check every box (and are completely unrealistic but who cares). One episode and you will be invested and hitting that "play next" button until it's embarrassingly late (or early :p).

Gloria Grover returns, this time live with a new show, but she physically assaults Dr. Elcott and Dr. Elcott himself pulls his pants down. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 features Miami Hurricanes men's basketball head coach Jai Lucas joining the show to discuss the team's hot start, his recruiting philosophy, and how he balances the transfer portal with developing young talent. Lucas emphasizes effort and hard work as the foundation of his program, previews the big matchup against Clemson, and breaks down the top-to-bottom talent in the ACC while noting how football's success positively impacts all Miami athletics. The conversation then turns to a wild pop culture moment with an Uber driver threatened by Kiefer Sutherland, sparking a debate on which fictional characters would be the scariest if they threatened you. The hour wraps with the Dolphins head coach search, exploring potential candidates, fan opinions, and Omar stressing the need for an experienced coach to avoid rookie mistakes.

BSP Classic Hour. Gloria Grubner, Worldwide” debuting with Gloria Grover, using her maiden name, interviews guests and levels Dr Elcott. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travels in California continue. Podcasting from Historic Route 66, Chris Norton guests and gets into it with the crew.Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil traveling to California. No video today. Sorry! Don Berman and the best of his overrated, pumped up pompous ass. Phil traveling to California. No video today. Sorry! Don Berman and the best of his overrated, pumped up pompous ass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can you build iconic characters that your readers want to keep coming back to? How can you be the kind of creator that readers trust, even without social media? With Claire Taylor In the intro, Dan Brown talks writing and publishing [Tetragrammaton]; Design Rules That Make or Break a Book [Self-Publishing Advice]; Amazon's DRM change [Kindlepreneur]; Show me the money [Rachael Herron]; AI bible translation [Wycliffe, Pope Leo tweet]. Plus, Business for Authors 24 Jan webinar, and Bones of the Deep. Today's show is sponsored by Bookfunnel, the essential tool for your author business. Whether it's delivering your reader magnet, sending out advanced copies of your book, handing out ebooks at a conference, or fulfilling your digital sales to readers, BookFunnel does it all. Check it out at bookfunnel.com/thecreativepenn This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Claire Taylor is a humour and mystery author, the owner of FFS Media, and a certified Enneagram coach. She teaches authors to write stronger stories and build sustainable careers at LiberatedWriter.com, and her book is Write Iconic Characters: Unlocking the Core Motivations that Fuel Unforgettable Stories. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights, and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Why Claire left social media and how she still markets her books and services What the Enneagram is and how core fears and desires shape character motivation Using Enneagram types (including Wednesday Addams as an example) to write iconic characters Creating rich conflict and relationships by pairing different Enneagram types on the page Coping with rapid change, AI, and fear in the author community in 2026 Building a trustworthy, human author brand through honesty, transparency, and vulnerability You can find Claire at LiberatedWriter.com, FFS.media, or on Substack as The Liberated Writer. Transcript of the interview with Claire Taylor Joanna: Claire Taylor is a humour and mystery author, the owner of FFS Media, and a certified Enneagram coach. She teaches authors to write stronger stories and build sustainable careers at LiberatedWriter.com, and her book is Write Iconic Characters: Unlocking the Core Motivations that Fuel Unforgettable Stories. So, welcome back to the show, Claire. Claire: Thank you so much for having me back. I'm excited to be here. Joanna: It's great to have you back on the show. It was March 2024 when you were last on, so almost two years now as this goes out. Give us a bit of an update. How has your writing craft and your author business changed in that time? Claire: One of the things I've been focusing on with my own fiction craft is deconstructing the rules of how a story “should” be. That's been a sort of hobby focus of mine. All the story structure books aren't law, right? That's why there are so many of them. They're all suggestions, frameworks. They're all trying to quantify humans' innate ability to understand a story. So I'm trying to remember more that I already know what a story is, deep down. My job as an author is to keep the reader's attention from start to finish and leave them feeling the way I hope they'll feel at the end. That's been my focus on the craft side. On the author business side, I've made some big shifts. I left social media earlier this year, and I've been looking more towards one-on-one coaching and networking. I did a craft-based Kickstarter, and I'd been focusing a lot on “career, career, career”—very business-minded—and now I'm creating more content again, especially around using the Enneagram for writing craft. So there's been a lot of transition since 2024 for me. Joanna: I think it's so important—and obviously we're going to get into your book in more detail—but I do think it's important for people to hear about our pivots and transitions. I haven't spoken to you for a while, but I actually started a master's degree a few months back. I'm doing a full-time master's alongside everything else I do. So I've kind of put down book writing for the moment, and I'm doing essay writing and academic writing instead. It's quite different, as you can imagine. It sounds like what you're doing is different too. One thing I know will have perked up people's ears is: “I left social media.” Tell us a bit more about that. Claire: This was a move that I could feel coming for a while. I didn't like what social media did to my attention. Even when I wasn't on it, there was almost a hangover from having been on it. My attention didn't feel as sharp and focused as it used to be, back before social media became what it is now. So I started asking myself some questions: What is lost if I leave? What is gained if I leave? And what is social media actually doing for me today? Because sometimes we hold on to what it used to do for us, and we keep trying to squeeze more and more of that out of it. But it has changed so much. There are almost no places with sufficient organic reach anymore. It's all pay-to-play, and the cost of pay-to-play keeps going up. I looked at the numbers for my business. My Kickstarter was a great place to analyse that because they track so many traffic sources so clearly. I could see exactly how much I was getting from social media when I advertised and promoted my projects there. Then I asked: can I let that go in order to get my attention back and make my life feel more settled? And I decided: yes, I can. That's worth more to me. Joanna: There are some things money can't buy. Sometimes it really isn't about the money. I like your question: what is lost and what is gained? You also said it's all pay-to-play and there's no organic reach. I do think there is some organic reach for some people who don't pay, but those people are very good at playing the game of whatever the platform wants. So, TikTok for example—you might not have to pay money yet, but you do have to play their game. You have to pay with your time instead of money. I agree with you. I don't think there's anywhere you can literally just post something and know it will reliably reach the people who follow you. Claire: Right. Exactly. TikTok currently, if you really play the game, will sometimes “pick” you, right? But that “pick me” energy is not really my jam. And we can see the trend—this “organic” thing doesn't last. It's organic for now. You can play the game for now, but TikTok would be crazy not to change things so they make more money. So eventually everything becomes pay-to-play. TikTok is fun, but for me it's addictive. I took it off my phone years ago because I would do the infinite scroll. There's so much candy there. Then I'd wake up the next morning and notice my mood just wasn't where I wanted it to be. My energy was low. I really saw a correlation between how much I scrolled and how flat I felt afterwards. So I realised: I'm not the person to pay-to-play or to play the game here. I'm not even convinced that the pay-to-play on certain social media networks is being tracked in a reliable, accountable way anymore. Who is holding them accountable for those numbers? You can sort of see correlation in your sales, but still, I just became more and more sceptical. In the end, it just wasn't for me. My life is so much better on a daily basis without it. That's definitely a decision I have not regretted for a second. Joanna: I'm sorry to keep on about this, but I think this is great because this is going out in January 2026, and there will be lots of people examining their relationship with social media. It's one of those things we all examine every year, pretty much. The other thing I'd add is that you are a very self-aware person. You spend a lot of time thinking about these things and noticing your own behaviour and energy. Stopping and thinking is such an important part of it. But let's tackle the big question: one of the reasons people don't want to come off social media is that they're afraid they don't know how else to market. How are you marketing if you're not using social media? Claire: I didn't leave social media overnight. Over time, I've been adjusting and transitioning, preparing my business and myself mentally and emotionally for probably about a year. I still market to my email list. That has always been important to my business. I've also started a Substack that fits how my brain works. Substack is interesting. Some people might consider it a form of social media—it has that new reading feed—but it feels much more like blogging to me. It's blogging where you can be discovered, which is lovely. I've been doing more long-form content there. You get access to all the emails of your subscribers, which is crucial to me. I don't want to build on something I can't take with me. So I've been doing more long-form content, and that seems to keep my core audience with me. I've got plenty of people subscribed; people continue to come back, work with me, and tell their friends. Word of mouth has always been the way my business markets best, because it's hard to describe the benefits of what I do in a quick, catchy way. It needs context. So I'm leaning even more on that. Then I'm also shifting my fiction book selling more local. Joanna: In person? Claire: Yes. In person and local. Networking and just telling more people that I'm an author. Connecting more deeply with my existing email lists and communities and selling that way. Joanna: I think at the end of the day it does come back to the email list. I think this is one of the benefits of selling direct to people through Shopify or Payhip or whatever, or locally, because you can build your email list. Every person you bring into your own ecosystem, you get their data and you can stay in touch. Whereas all the things we did for years to get people to go to Amazon, we didn't get their emails and details. It's so interesting where we are right now in the author business. Okay, we'll come back to some of these things, but let's get into the book and what you do. Obviously what underpins the book is the Enneagram. Just remind us what the Enneagram is, why you incorporate it into so much of your work, and why you find it resonates so much. Claire: The Enneagram is a framework that describes patterns of thoughts, feelings, and actions that tend to arise from nine different core motivations. Those core motivations are made up of a fear–desire pair. So, for instance, there's the fear of lacking worth and the desire to be worthy. That pair is the Type Three core motivation. If you're a Type Three, sometimes called “The Achiever,” that's your fundamental driver. What we fear and desire above all the other fears and desires determines where our attention goes. And attention is something authors benefit greatly from understanding. We have to keep people's attention, so we want to understand our own attention and how to cultivate it. The things our attention goes to build our understanding of ourselves and the world. Being intentional about that, and paying attention to what your characters pay attention to—and what your readers are paying attention to—is hugely beneficial. It can give you a real leg up. That's why I focus on the Enneagram. I find it very useful at that core level. You can build a lot of other things on top of it with your characters: their backstory, personal histories, little quirks—all of that can be built off the Enneagram foundation. Why I like the Enneagram more than other frameworks like MBTI or the Big Five is that it not only shows us how our fears are confining us—that's really what it's charting—but it also shows us a path towards liberation from those fears. That's where the Enneagram really shines: the growth path, the freedom from the confines of our own personality. It offers that to anyone who wants to study and discover it. A lot of the authors I work with say things like, “I'm just so sick of my own stuff.” And I get it. We all get sick of running into the same patterns over and over again. We can get sick of our personality! The Enneagram is a really good tool for figuring out what's going on and how to try something new, because often we can't even see that there are other options. We have this particular lens we're looking through. That's why I like to play with it, and why I find it so useful. Joanna: That's really interesting. It sounds like you have a lot of mature authors—and when I say “mature,” I mean authors with a lot of books under their belt, not necessarily age. There are different problems at different stages of the author career, and the problem you just described—“I'm getting sick of my stuff”—sounds like a mature author issue. What are some of the other issues you see in the community that are quite common amongst indie authors? Claire: One that comes up a lot, especially early on, is: “Am I doing this right?” That's a big question. People say, “I don't know if I'm doing this right. I'm going to mess it up. This person told me this was the way to do things, but I don't think I can do it this way. Am I doomed?” That's the fear. A lot of what I help people with is seeing that there isn't a single “right” way to do this. There's a way that's going to feel more aligned to you, and there are millions of ways to approach an author career because we're all constructing it as we go. You were there in the early days. We were all just making this up as we went along. Joanna: Exactly. There was a time when ebooks were PDFs, there wasn't even a Kindle, and there was no iPhone. We were literally just making it up. Claire: Right. Exactly. That spirit of “we're all making it up” is important. Some of us have come up with frameworks that work for us, and then we tell other people about them—“Here's a process; try this process”—but that doesn't mean it's the process. Understanding what motivates you—those core motivations—helps you see where you're going to bump into advice that's not right for you, and how to start making decisions that fit your attention, your life, your desires in this author role. Early on we do a lot of that work. Then there are the authors who started a while ago and have a bunch of books. They hit a point where they say, “I've changed so much since I started writing. I need to figure out how to adjust my career.” Joanna: Tell us more about that, because I think that's you and me. How do we deal with that? Claire: Well, crying helps. Joanna: That is true! There's always a bit of crying involved in reinvention. From my perspective, my brand has always been built around me. People are still here—I know some people listening who have been with the podcast since I started it in 2009—and I've always been me. Even though I've done loads of different things and changed along the way, at heart I'm still me. I'm really glad I built a personal brand around who I am, rather than around one genre or a single topic. How about you? How do you see it? Claire: I'm the same. I just can't stick with something that doesn't feel right for me anymore. I'll start to rebel against it. There's also that “good girl” part of me that wants to do things the way they're supposed to be done and keep everybody happy. I have to keep an eye on her, because she'll default to “this is the way it should be done,” and then I end up constricted. As we advance through our careers, positioning around what motivates us and what we love, and allowing ourselves to understand that it's okay to change—even though it's painful—is crucial. It's actually destructive not to change over time. We end up forfeiting so many things that make life worth living if we don't allow ourselves to grow and change. We end up in this tiny box. People sometimes say the Enneagram is very restrictive. “It's only nine types, you're putting me in a box.” It's like: no. These are the boxes we've put ourselves in. Then we use the Enneagram to figure out how to get out of the box. As we start to see the box we've put ourselves in with our personality—“that's me, that's not me”—we realise how much movement we actually have, how many options we have, while still being ourselves. Joanna: So many options. This kind of brings us into your book, because part of the personal brand thing is being real and having different facets. Your book is Write Iconic Characters, and presumably these are characters that people want to read more about. It uses the Enneagram to construct these better characters. So first up— What's your definition of an iconic character, as opposed to any old character? And how can we use the Enneagram to construct one? Claire: An iconic character, in my imagination, is one that really sticks with us after we've finished the story. They become a reference point. We'll say, “This person is kind of like that character,” or “This situation feels like that character would handle it this way.” It could be our friends, our enemies, someone we meet on the bus—whoever it is might remind us of this character. So they really get lodged in our psyche. An iconic character feels true to some fundamental part of the human condition, even if they're not strictly human. So, all the alien romance people listening, don't worry—you're still in! These characters take on a life of their own. With an iconic character, we may hear them talking to us after the book is done, because we've tapped into that essential part of them. They can become almost archetypal—something we go back to over and over again in our minds, both as writers and as readers. Joanna: How can we use the Enneagram to construct an iconic character? I'm asking this as a discovery writer who struggles to construct anything beforehand. It's more that I write stuff and then something emerges. But I have definitely not had a hit series with an iconic character, so I'm willing to give your approach a try. Claire: It works with whatever your process is. If you're a discovery writer, start with that spark of a character in your head. If there's a character who's just a glimmer—maybe you know a few things about them—just keep writing. At some point you'll probably recognise, “Okay, it's time to go deeper in understanding this character and create a cohesive thread to pull all of this together.” That's where the Enneagram becomes useful. You can put on your armchair psychologist hat and ask: which of the nine core fears seems like it might be driving the parts of their personality that are emerging? Thankfully, we intuitively recognise the nine types. When we start gathering bits for a new character, we tend to pull from essentially the same constellation of personality, even if we don't realise it. For instance, you might say, “This character is bold and adventurous,” and that's all you know. You're probably not going to also add, “and they're incredibly shy,” because “bold and adventurous” plus “incredibly shy” doesn't really fit our intuitive understanding of people. We know that instinctively. So, you've got “bold and adventurous.” You write that to a certain point, and then you get to a place where you think, “I don't really know them deeply.” That's when you can go back to the nine core fears and start ruling some out quite quickly. In the book, I have descriptions for each of them. You can read the character descriptions, read about the motivations, and start to say, “It's definitely not these five types. I can rule those out.” If they're bold and adventurous, maybe the core fear is being trapped in deprivation and pain, or being harmed and controlled. Those correspond to Type Seven (“The Enthusiast”) and Type Eight (“The Challenger”), respectively. So you might say, “Okay, maybe they're a Seven or an Eight.” From there, if you can pin down a type, you can read more about it and get ideas. You can understand the next big decision point. If they're a Type Seven, what's going to motivate them? They'll do whatever keeps them from being trapped in pain and deprivation, and they'll be seeking satisfaction or new experiences in some way, because that's the core desire that goes with that fear. So now, you're asking: “How do I get them to get on the spaceship and leave Earth?” Well, you could offer them some adventure, because they're bold and adventurous. I have a character who's a Seven, and she gets on a spaceship and takes off because her boyfriend just proposed—and the idea of being trapped in marriage feels like: “Nope. Whatever is on this spaceship, I'm out of here.” You can play with that once you identify a type. You can go as deep with that type as you want, or you can just work with the core fear and the basic desire. There's no “better or worse”—it's whatever you feel comfortable with and whatever you need for the story. Joanna: In the book, you go into all the Enneagram types in detail, but you also have a specific example: Wednesday Addams. She's one of my favourites. People listening have either seen the current series or they have something in mind from the old-school Addams Family. Can you talk about [Wednesday Addams] as an example? Claire: Doing those deep dives was some of the most fun research for this book. I told my husband, John, “Don't bother me. I need to sit and binge-watch Wednesday again—with my notebook this time.” Online, people were guessing: “Oh, she's maybe this type, maybe that type.” As soon as I started watching properly with the Enneagram in mind, I thought: “Oh, this is a Type Eight, this is the Challenger.” One of the first things we hear from her is that she considers emotions to be weakness. Immediately, you can cross out a bunch of types from that. When we're looking at weak/strong language—that lens of “strength” versus “weakness”—we tend to look towards Eights, because they often sort the world in those terms. They're concerned about being harmed or controlled, so they feel they need to be strong and powerful. That gave me a strong hint in that direction. If we look at the inciting incident—which is a great place to identify what really triggers a character, because it has to be powerful enough to launch the story—Wednesday finds her little brother Pugsley stuffed in a locker. She says, “Who did this?” because she believes she's the only one who gets to bully him. That's a very stereotypical Type Eight thing. The unhealthy Eight can dip into being a bit of a bully because they're focused on power and power dynamics. But the Eight also says, “These are my people. I protect them. If you're one of my people, you're under my protection.” So there's that protection/control paradox. Then she goes and—spoiler—throws a bag of piranhas into the pool to attack the boys who hurt him. That's like: okay, this is probably an Eight. Then she has control wrested from her when she's sent to the new school. That's a big trigger for an Eight: to not have autonomy, to not have control. She acts out pretty much immediately, tries to push people away, and establishes dominance. One of the first things she does is challenge the popular girl to a fencing match. That's very Eight behaviour: “I'm going to go in, figure out where I sit in this power structure, and try to get into a position of power straight away.” That's how the story starts, and in the book I go into a lot more analysis. At one point she's attacked by this mysterious thing and is narrowly saved from a monster. Her reaction afterwards is: “I would have rather saved myself.” That's another strong Eight moment. The Eight does not like to be saved by anyone else. It's: “No, I wanted to be strong enough to do that.” Her story arc is also very Eight-flavoured: she starts off walled-off, “I can do it myself,” which can sometimes look like the self-sufficiency of the Five, but for her it's about always being in a power position and in control of herself. She has to learn to rely more on other people if she wants to protect the people she cares about. Protecting the innocent and protecting “her people” is a big priority for the Eight. Joanna: Let's say we've identified our main character and protagonist. One of the important things in any book, especially in a series, is conflict—both internal and external. Can we use the Enneagram to work out what would be the best other character, or characters, to give us more conflict? Claire: The character dynamics are complex, and all types are going to have both commonalities and conflict between them. That works really well for fiction. But depending on how much conflict you need, there are certain type pairings that are especially good for it. If you have a protagonist who's an Eight, they're going to generate conflict everywhere because it doesn't really bother them. They're okay wading into conflict. If you ask an Eight, “Do you like conflict?” they'll often say, “Well, sometimes it's not great,” but to everyone else it looks like they come in like a wrecking ball. The Eight tends to go for what they want. They don't see the point in waiting. They think, “I want it, I'm going to go and get it.” That makes them feel strong and powerful. So it's easy to create external and internal conflict with an Eight and other types. But the nature of the conflict is going to be different depending on who you pair them with. Let's say you have this Eight and you pair them with a Type One, “The Reformer,” whose core fear is being bad or corrupt, and who wants to be good and have integrity. The Reformer wants morality. They can get a little preachy; they can become a bit of a zealot when they're more unhealthy. A One and an Eight will have a very particular kind of conflict because the One says, “Let's do what's right,” and the Eight says, “Let's do what gets me what I want and puts me in the power position.” They may absolutely get along if they're taking on injustice. Ones and Eights will team up if they both see the same thing as unjust. They'll both take it on together. But then they may reach a point in the story where the choice is between doing the thing that is “right”—maybe self-sacrificing or moral—versus doing the thing that will exact retribution or secure a power-up. That's where the conflict between a One and an Eight shows up. You can grab any two types and they'll have unique conflict. I'm actually working on a project on Kickstarter that's all about character dynamics and relationships—Write Iconic Relationships is the next project—and I go deeper into this there. Joanna: I was wondering about that, because I did a day-thing recently with colour palettes and interior design—which is not usually my thing—so I was really challenging myself. We did this colour wheel, and they were talking about how the opposite colour on the wheel is the one that goes with it in an interesting way. I thought— Maybe there's something in the Enneagram where it's like a wheel, and the type opposite is the one that clashes or fits in a certain way. Is that a thing? Claire: There is a lot of that kind of contrast. The Enneagram is usually depicted in a circle, one through nine, and there are strong contrasts between types that are right next to each other, as well as interesting lines that connect them. For example, we've been talking about the Eight, and right next to Eight is Nine, “The Peacemaker.” Eights and Nines can look like opposites in certain ways. The Nine is conflict-avoidant, and the Eight tends to think you get what you want by pushing into conflict if necessary. Then you've got Four, “The Individualist,” which is very emotional, artistic, heart-centred, and Five, “The Investigator,” which you're familiar with—very head-centred and analytical, thinking-based. The Four and the Five can clash a bit: the head and the heart. So, yes, there are interesting contrasts right next to each other on the wheel. Each type also has its own conflict style. We're going into the weeds a bit here, but it's fascinating to play with. There's one conflict style—the avoidant conflict style, sometimes called the “positive outlook” group—and it's actually hard to get those types into an enemies-to-lovers romance because they don't really want to be enemies. That's Types Two, Seven, and Nine. So depending on the trope you're writing, some type pairings are more frictional than others. There are all these different dynamics you can explore, and I can't wait to dig into them more for everyone in the relationships book. Joanna: The Enneagram is just one of many tools people can use to figure out themselves as well as their characters. Maybe that's something people want to look at this year. You've got this book, you've got other resources that go into it, and there's also a lot of information out there if people want to explore it more deeply. Let's pull back out to the bigger picture, because as this goes out in January 2026, I think there is a real fear of change in the community right now. Is that something you've seen? What are your thoughts for authors on how they can navigate the year ahead? Claire: Yes, there has been a lot of fear. The rate of change of things online has felt very rapid. The rate of change in the broader world—politically, socially—has also felt scary to a lot of people. It can be really helpful to look at your own personal life and anchor yourself in what hasn't changed and what feels universal. From there you can start to say, “Okay, I can do this. I'm safe enough to be creative. I can find creative ways to work within this new environment.” You can choose to engage with AI. You can choose to opt out. It's totally your choice, and there is no inherent virtue in either one. I think that's important to say. Sometimes people who are anti-AI—not just uninterested but actively antagonistic—go after people who like it. And sometimes people who like AI can be antagonistic towards people who don't want to use it. But actually, you get to choose what you're comfortable with. One of the things I see emerging for authors in 2026, regardless of what tools you're using or how you feel about them, is this question of trustworthiness. I think there's a big need for that. With the increased number of images and videos that are AI-generated—which a lot of people who've been on the internet for a while can still recognise as AI and say, “Yeah, that's AI”—but that may not be obvious for long. Right now some of us can tell, but a lot of people can't, and that's only going to get murkier. There's a rising mistrust of our own senses online lately. We're starting to wonder, “Can I believe what I'm seeing and hearing?” And I think that sense of mistrust will increase. As an author in that environment, it's really worth focusing on: how do I build trust with my readers? That doesn't mean you never use AI. It might simply mean you disclose, to whatever extent feels right for you, how you use it. There are things like authenticity, honesty, vulnerability, humility, integrity, transparency, reliability—all of those are ingredients in this recipe of trustworthiness that we need to look at for ourselves. If there's one piece of hard inner work authors can do for 2026, I think it's asking: “Where have I not been trustworthy to my readers?” Then taking that hard, sometimes painful look at what comes up, and asking how you can adjust. What do you need to change? What new practices do you need to create that will increase trustworthiness? I really think that's the thing that's starting to erode online. If you can work on it now, you can hold onto your readers through whatever comes next. Joanna: What's one concrete thing people could do in that direction [to increase trustworthiness]? Claire: I would say disclosing if you use AI is a really good start—or at least disclosing how you use it specifically. I know that can lead to drama when you do it because people have strong opinions, but trustworthiness comes at the cost of courage and honesty. Transparency is another ingredient we could all use more of. If transparency around AI is a hard “absolutely not” for you—if you're thinking, “Nope, Claire, you can get lost with that”—then authenticity is another route. Let your messy self be visible, because people still want some human in the mix. Being authentically messy and vulnerable with your audience helps. If you can't be reliable and put the book out on time, at least share what's going on in your life. Staying connected in that way builds trust. Readers will think, “Okay, I see why you didn't hit that deadline.” But if you're always promising books—“It's going to be out on this day,” and then, “Oh, I had to push it back,” and that happens again and again—that does erode the trustworthiness of your brand. So, looking at those things and asking, “How am I cultivating trust, and how am I breaking it?” is hard work. There are definitely ways I look at my own business and think, “That's not a very trustworthy thing I'm doing.” Then I need to sit down, get real with myself, and see how I can improve that. Joanna: Always improving is good. Coming back to the personal brand piece, and to being vulnerable and putting ourselves out there: you and I have both got used to that over years of doing it and practising. There are people listening who have never put their photo online, or their voice online, or done a video. They might not use their photo on the back of their book or on their website. They might use an avatar. They might use a pen name. They might be afraid of having anything about themselves online. That's where I think there is a concern, because as much as I love a lot of the AI stuff, I don't love the idea of everything being hidden behind anonymous pen names and faceless brands. As you said, being vulnerable in some way and being recognisably human really matters. I'd say: double down on being human. I think that's really important. Do you have any words of courage for people who feel, “I just can't. I don't want to put myself out there”? Claire: There are definitely legitimate reasons some people wouldn't want to be visible. There are safety reasons, cultural reasons, family reasons—all sorts of factors. There are also a lot of authors who simply haven't practised the muscle of vulnerability. You build that muscle a little bit at a time. It does open you up to criticism, and some people are just not at a phase of life where they can cope with that. That's okay. If fear is the main reason—if you're hiding because you're scared of being judged—I do encourage you to step out, gently. This may be my personal soapbox, but I don't think life is meant to be spent hiding. Things may happen. Not everyone will like you. That's part of being alive. When you invite in hiding, it doesn't just stay in one corner. That constricted feeling tends to spread into other areas of your life. A lot of the time, people I work with don't want to disclose their pen names because they're worried their parents won't approve, and then we have to unpack that. You don't have to do what your parents want you to do. You're an adult now, right? If the issue is, “They'll cut me out of the will,” we can talk about that too. That's a deeper, more practical conversation. But if it's just that they won't approve, you have more freedom than you think. You also don't have to plaster your picture everywhere. Even if you're not comfortable showing your face, you can still communicate who you are and what matters to you in other ways—through your stories, through your email list, through how you talk to readers. Let your authentic self be expressed in some way. It's scary, but the reward is freedom. Joanna: Absolutely. Lots to explore in 2026. Tell people where they can find you and your books and everything you do online. Claire: LiberatedWriter.com is where all of my stuff lives, except my fiction, which I don't think people here are necessarily as interested in. If you do want to find my fiction, FFS Media is where that lives. Then I'm on Substack as well. I write long pieces there. If you want to subscribe, it's The Liberated Writer on Substack. Joanna: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Claire. That was great. Claire: Thanks so much for having me.The post Leaving Social Media, Writing Iconic Characters, and Building Trust With Claire Taylor first appeared on The Creative Penn.

The Sweet 16 of Characters with Skip Weber- h4 full 1437 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 22:44:01 +0000 hiQKzAoLmtZATd0ic3vNZV8EcXZ8p7ZF comedy,religion & spirituality,society & culture,news,government The Dave Glover Show comedy,religion & spirituality,society & culture,news,government The Sweet 16 of Characters with Skip Weber- h4 The Dave Glover Show has been driving St. Louis home for over 20 years. Unafraid to discuss virtually any topic, you'll hear Dave and crew's unique perspective on current events, news and politics, and anything and everything in between. © 2025 Audacy, Inc. Comedy Religion & Spirituality Society & Culture News Government False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-li

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The Best of Tom Catton.. the Juice Guy with the Health Wagon who suddenly was crippled by a very unhealthy obsession.Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy Hours of exclusive content, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.