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In this week's episode, I share a few tips for writing effectively and politely in a public space like a coffee shop, library, waiting room, or similar location. This coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Ghost Exile series at my Payhip store: SUMMEREXILE The coupon code is valid through August 24, 2026. So if you need a new ebook this summer, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 315 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is August the 7th, 2026 and today I am sharing tips for writing while in public in places such as a coffee shop, a waiting room, or a library. We will also have Coupon of the Week and a progress update on my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. First off, let's start with Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Ghost Exile series at my Payhip store. That coupon code is SUMMEREXILE and this coupon code will be valid through August the 24th, 2026, so if you need a new ebook to read this summer, we have got you covered. And as always, the coupon code and the link to my Payhip store will be available in the show notes for this episode. Now for an update on my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. I am very nearly done with Cloak of Frost. In fact, I'm so close to being done with Cloak of Frost, I am hoping (if all goes well and the creek doesn't rise), to finish it this afternoon after I finish recording this episode. So after you finish listening to this episode when it goes live, go check out your nearest ebook store for Cloak of Frost because hopefully it should be working its way through the platforms and be available then. Once Cloak of Frost is finished and published, my next main project will be Blade of Visions, the sixth book in the Blades of Ruin epic fantasy series. I am currently 17,000 words into that. If all goes well, I am hoping to have that book out sometime in September. I'll need a new secondary project since Blade of Visions is getting promoted from secondary project. So my new secondary project will be Elven-Warlock, the seventh book in the Half-Elven Thief series. That hopefully will be out sometime in October, again, if all goes well. In audiobook news, we have a couple different audiobook things to discuss. Dragon-Mage, the sixth book in the Half-Elven Thief series (as narrated by Leanne Woodward) should now be available at all audiobook stores. Stealth & Spells Online: Final Quest (as narrated by C.J. McAllister) should be at my Payhip store, Google Play, and Kobo as of right now, and it should be working its way through the other audiobook platforms before too much longer. Cloak Mage: Omnibus Four, which is a three-book bundle containing Cloak of Illusion, Cloak of Dragonfire, and Cloak of Embers (as narrated by Hollis McCarthy) is now available in audio as well. It's 38 hours [long] and you can get that at Audible, Apple, and Amazon. As for upcoming books, Brad Wills is working on Blade of Thieves and as of this recording, he's about halfway through it. Hollis McCarthy is working on Cloak of Worlds and I believe she's done with main recording and doing edits right now. So before too much longer, if all goes well, we'll have a bunch of new audiobooks for you. So that is where I'm at with my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. 00:02:57 Tips for Writing in Public Spaces Now let's move on to our main topic this week, writing or working in a coffee shop, waiting room, library, or other public space. People often romanticize the process of writing and imagine that writers spend all day in a cozy cafe with a leather notebook and a fountain pen, sipping espresso with [chuckles] acoustic guitar music playing faintly in the background. In reality, most full-time writers don't regularly work that way. For myself, I don't generally like working in public, and I prefer either to work in my office at home or with my laptop on my couch (also at home). I only work in public spaces like coffee shops, libraries, and waiting rooms when I'm waiting for someone or don't have any other option. Because of course, real life has its demands, I do that a fair bit. I've written large chunks of most of my books in various waiting rooms while waiting on various appointments. But again, it's not my first choice. If I had total freedom to pick where I was going to work today, I would not pick a coffee shop. I would not pick the library. I would probably pick either my office or my couch with my laptop, depending on how hot the day happened to be. However, just because I don't like working in a public space doesn't mean that other people do not, and many people do love to work in public spaces like coffee shops or find it a necessity for a variety of reasons. So today we're going to go over what you should consider when working in these kinds of spaces. For many people, the benefits of working in a space like a coffee shop or a library are significant. Let's go over a few of the reasons that people might benefit from this working arrangement. Some people don't have much control over the noise or activity levels in their home environment or are experiencing a temporary issue like a power outage or home renovations. For example, this morning at about seven o'clock, a tree trimming truck pulled up directly in front of my house, so I was worried that I would not be able to record this podcast today due to chainsaw noise, but for whatever reason, they haven't started yet, so I'm hoping I can actually finish recording this episode before any chainsaw noise begins. Many people also like having a change of scenery or like getting out of the house if they primarily work from home. Some people find this helps them to feel more creative or interested in their work or feels like a reward for doing the work. Another reason is that some people also miss the social aspect of working in person and enjoying making small talk or working alongside a friend in these types of spaces. Some people, especially those who've been diagnosed with ADHD, benefit from being in a space where others are also working, even if they're not interacting with those people. It actually helps them to focus and be more productive when they can see others working. If you're interested in learning more about that, you can read about the concept of body doubling, which describes this in more detail. So with those reasons in mind, let's go over some of the appropriate etiquette for working in a public place. You might think these etiquette tips about working in an American public space are obvious, but after you spend a fair amount of time in a coffee shop, you'll see that many people never get this advice or blatantly ignore it. So let's spend some time stating what feels like the obvious, especially for people who might not be familiar with American customs and behaviors. First, if you're spending time in a business, you need to order, and if you're in America, you should at least leave a small tip. If you're staying more than an hour or so, you should probably order more than once. For example, if you're spending an afternoon working in a coffee shop, you can start with a plain coffee and then after a couple of hours order another cup or a snack. You're essentially renting their space at their expense, so you shouldn't be there all day after buying only a $2 cup of coffee (or worse yet, nothing at all). Another important factor is to have realistic expectations. Coffee shops are primarily places for people to eat and gather, so you can't be upset when people do just that. These spaces are not designed to be workspaces and you have to adjust your expectations about the noise and activity level. It might be tempting to ask that table of high school girls to be quieter or the toddler across the room to stop running about, but that's not your job and it's not appropriate of you to ask that of strangers in a place where people come for conversation. If you truly need quiet space, many libraries have designated quiet areas and larger cities usually have rentable coworking spaces designated for just working. And if you are going to the library, remember that the library doesn't cost you anything as opposed to a coffee shop or a coworking space. Also, don't hog space. If the establishment is absolutely packed and there are no available tables, it's not good etiquette to take up an entire table for hours on end. Try to choose a lower traffic shop if this is something that you regularly observe happening in your preferred one or come in outside of peak hours. Likewise, it's generally considered impolite in America to use your belongings to hold the table more than a minute or two. And if, depending on where you are in the country, if you leave your belongings at the table for too long without being there to attend them, there's a fair chance that something's going to get stolen. It's also a good idea to have some situational awareness about cords and not being a tripping hazard. If you're using a charger, make sure the cord isn't going into an employee space like the condiment bar or causing a tripping hazard for others. Likewise, make sure that your bags are also situated on the floor in such a way that others won't easily trip on them or have to step over them. Another point is no pacing. Many of us like to pace while working or thinking, but that's generally considered annoying or even unsettling and threatening in a public space like a coffee shop or a library or a waiting room. [As for] making noise, how appropriate it is to take a video or a phone call will depend greatly on your environment. Some coffee shops have many people working and it's normal there. In a small town coffee shop where the locals gather to talk about the forecast or local news or the local parade at great length, it's most likely going to be inappropriate or annoy other people. If you're taking calls or on video meetings, be sure to learn what settings on your devices and software minimize background noise and amplify your speaking voice so those on the other side of the line can hear you more clearly and not be bothered by all the noise in the background. This will also minimize how loudly you need to talk in order to be heard clearly, and a good headset can definitely help you with that. Another seemingly obvious thing that needs to be said is that you should bring headphones if you're going to be listening to music or watching videos. At my last gym (before I left for another, better gym), there was an elderly man who frequently would come to use the elliptical, put his phone on the console, and then watch various Facebook AI slop videos at maximum volume. It was really quite annoying and is part of the reason I no longer go to that gym. So don't be that person and make sure if you're listening to music while you're working in public, bring headphones. And finally, be nice. If you're spending a significant amount of time in a space like a coffee shop, it's important to be a good customer and to maintain a positive relationship with those people working there. Be polite, but don't take up the workers' time with excessive conversation. Of course, what is excessive is wholly subjective. If you're the only one there and they're totally bored, it's polite to have a little conversation but if there's 15 people in line behind you, it's probably best to move along. Clean up your messes and leave a few minutes before closing time so they don't have to kick you out. I used to work in retail many years ago, and I'm sure many of you either have worked or continue to work in retail or some form of food service and we all know that one of the most annoying things is a customer who refuses to leave when it's closing time or the guy who comes in five minutes before closing time and orders a huge meal. Don't be that guy. Now with all those etiquette points out of the way, you're ready to work. Here are some other considerations for working in this space like a coffee shop. Supplies [like] noise canceling headphones or noise reducing earplugs might be helpful for you, especially if you're sensitive to loud noises like an espresso machine being cleaned or as we mentioned before, loud conversations. A good headset if you are taking video calls might be invaluable. A privacy screen is a good idea for a laptop if you're working with sensitive information or don't want people reading over your shoulder. The most common ones are fairly inexpensive and are easy to remove when you no longer need to use it. For myself, I've never used that one, but I never look at sensitive information on my laptop in public, which we'll get to later. I suppose the only awkward thing is if someone's reading over my shoulder and I'm writing a scene like where Talembur beheads an orc with a two-handed blow and the head rolls away in a fountain of gore. That might be off-putting to people, but they shouldn't be reading my laptop screen anyway. A portable charger for your laptop and other devices might be a good idea to invest in if you're frequently working in these spaces, especially since outlet availability can be very limited. We should also talk about Wi-Fi safety. If you connect to the Wi-Fi in a public place like a coffee shop or a library, there are risks associated with that. Here are some basic things you can do to minimize your risks. Turn off auto connect to Wi-Fi and disable network discovery. That way if there are any malicious actors or devices on that network that will make it slightly harder for them to get to your laptop. Consider using a VPN to encrypt data sent from your device. Finally, more potentially sensitive tasks like shopping and online banking should wait until you're back on a more secure network. If you have a Gmail account with a two-factor authentication set up, checking your Gmail on a public Wi-Fi is probably okay. I would strongly recommend avoiding visiting any banking sites, financial sites, retirement investment sites, or shopping sites while you are on a public Wi-Fi network since there's always at least a chance someone would be able to pick up details about that from the public Wi-Fi. Another thing to consider might be groups or events where some coffee shops and libraries and other places will have events specifically for working together with a large group. If you're interested in finding like-minded people in your area, keep an eye on local events. One of the local coffee shops in my area has a writer's hour where writers are encouraged to come in and work. It also has a group that meets in the evenings during the winter to talk about writing. I mean, I've never done this myself personally, but I approve of the idea. A large city in my area frequently has occasional free silent working time meetups in a community center to accommodate people who need a quiet space to work that has free snacks and social time afterwards. So what specifically do I personally do when I need to work in public? When I work in public, I usually bring my cheapest laptop or my oldest laptop. Since I used to be an IT guy and I've been a full-time writer for a while now, I have a fair collection of older computer hardware that I really need to get rid of. One of the ones I keep around is my oldest laptop that I take out with me when I need to write in a public space. So that way, if for some reason the laptop is stolen or somehow it's damaged, like say a toddler is throwing a football in the waiting room and hits my screen dead center and shatters it. Well, annoying, but that will not be such a serious loss because it's my oldest laptop. And that way if it's stolen also, it would not be that great of a loss because it's my oldest laptop. For my concerns I mentioned earlier about Wi-Fi, I never actually connect to public Wi-Fi unless there's some sort of a pressing need like my phone isn't working, I need to look up directions for where I need to go next, that kind of thing. That's partly for security reasons like I mentioned above, and partly because having no Wi-Fi to distract me also turns out to be an excellent way to dial in and get work done. I never listen to music when I'm in public. I always listen to music or something while I'm working at home or in my home office, but I never listen to music in public just because I dislike the lack of situational awareness this brings. I mean, I don't want to be paranoid. The fact is for the most part, the United States is a very safe country. During the World Cup, you saw all these news stories about European tourists who were coming to the US for the World Cup and were worried about getting shot or getting robbed or getting blown up and then that they found that the experience was very pleasantly different from what they expected because for the most part, Americans are generally a very generous and very welcoming people. What you see on the news with the shootings and the violence and the mayhem and so forth tends to be the extreme outlier that gets exaggerated for effect for news views and news clicks. So for the most part, the United States is a very safe country. That said, mostly safe is not the same as perfectly safe, and there is still crime. The best way to avoid trouble is to make sure you're not involved or anywhere near trouble by maintaining situational awareness. So that's one reason I don't like to listen to music when I'm in a waiting room or in a coffee shop or something is because even though I'm focused on my work, I can still maintain a degree of situational awareness. So if I see something going south, I can react to it and clear the area or pay attention to a potential situation that's going on. Not that that's happened more than a few times in the decades I've been doing this, but it's still a good idea in my opinion to have a good deal of situational awareness whenever possible. Depending on the length of the wait, I usually bring my smallest laptop case I can fit my oldest laptop into, a couple of Clif bars (which are a brand of energy bar in the US, so if I'm waiting a long time and I know I'm not getting to lunch, then I can have a quick snack), and then if I need to use the restroom, I won't leave my stuff out. What I usually do is close the laptop, put it in the bag, and then take it with me to the restroom and then come back out and either take my old seat if it hasn't been taken or find a new one. That way it just minimizes the risk of theft of leaving a laptop unattended. Despite all that, I have written a fair chunk of many of my books in waiting rooms. I remember once I had to take my car in for a fairly serious repair, and I wrote something like 9,000 words of Ghost in the Winds while I was waiting for that repair. So that was a major productivity leap, and I got my car repaired and then [laughs] publishing Ghost in the Winds helped pay for that very serious car repair. So although you might not be elegantly writing poetry in a beautiful notebook like you imagined, writing in a coffee shop or a similar space can be pleasant and help you to feel a greater enjoyment or even productivity in your work. If you keep all these tips in mind, hopefully you have an enjoyable and productive experience. So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and we'll see you all next week.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, return guest Derek Schlender ("Schlender 5 Productions") joins the podcast. He brings along the movie Dragonheart: A New Beginning. Marty and Clif give Derek the movie Rollerball (2002) to watch.First up is Rollerball, the much-maligned remake of the 1975 sci-fi classic. Clif, Marty, and Derek dissect everything from the chaotic editing and baffling storytelling to the early-2000s soundtrack overload, while asking how a movie with this much money and talent behind it could go so spectacularly off the rails. Then it's on to Dragonheart: A New Beginning, the direct-to-video follow-up to the fantasy favorite. The gang struggles to find anything resembling the magic of the original as they pick apart the effects, performances, questionable story choices and a dragon that doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Even Derek admits he may have pushed his luck with these picks. But, sometimes tearing apart a bad movie can be just as entertaining as celebrating a great one.Along the way: fake Russian accents, Pink and Slipknot cameos, Scooby-Doo comparisons, poisoned skeletons, dragon anatomy and Derek apologizing over and over.Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookBlueskyInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Ryan Verrill, co-founder of Antenna Releasing, joins the podcast. He brings along the movie The Last Stop in Yuma County. Marty and Clif give Ryan the movie Streets of Fire to watch.Before diving into this week's picks, Ryan talks physical media, boutique Blu-rays and what it takes to launch a new independent film distribution company. First up is Streets of Fire, Walter Hill's neon-soaked rock 'n' roll fairy tale starring Michael Paré, Diane Lane and Willem Dafoe. Clif, Marty and Ryan celebrate the film's unforgettable visual style, killer soundtrack, larger-than-life characters and why this gloriously over-the-top cult classic still feels perfectly '80s. Then it's on to The Last Stop in Yuma County, the tense crime thriller from Francis Galluppi. With Ryan having worked alongside Galluppi through Antenna Releasing, the discussion offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the film's journey to audiences, while also celebrating its sharp writing, terrific ensemble cast and expertly sustained tension. Along the way: physical media collecting, puddles as cinematography, music videos hiding inside movies and a lot of Walter Hill appreciation.#TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #StreetsOfFire #TheLastStopInYumaCounty #RyanVerrill #AntennaReleasing #PhysicalMedia #MovieReview Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif shares the gospel's promise that, through Jesus, believers are personally invited and welcomed into God's presence regardless of their past failures, encouraging listeners to live confidently in this grace. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif focuses on a key theme that emerges, the assurance that believers have true peace with God—not based on their own performance, but on the finished work of Jesus as described in Romans 5:1. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif shares how justification by faith in Jesus offers not only future hope but also immediate, daily blessings for believers. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, reading through the Bible, Dr. Clif talks about the book of Joel, emphasizing its central theme of the day of the Lord as both judgment and salvation, a call to repentance, and the promise of the outpouring of God's Spirit. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif focuses on how, because of Christ's sacrifice, believers are fully welcomed and delighted in by God, encouraging listeners to live in the confidence of His acceptance and presence. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, special guests Geoffrey Notkin and Jessica Stone are back on the podcast. Geoffrey and Jessica bring along the movie Excalibur. While Marty and Clif give them Point Blank to watch. Enjoy this special "Talking Boorman" episode, celebrating two films of the legendary director John Boorman.First up is Point Blank, Boorman's stylish revenge classic starring Lee Marvin. Clif, Marty, Geoffrey and Jessica discuss the film's dreamlike storytelling, unforgettable visuals, why it still feels decades ahead of its time and Marvin's commanding performance.Then it's time to unsheathe the sword for Excalibur, Boorman's epic retelling of the Arthurian legend. The gang celebrates it's breathtaking imagery, unforgettable performances and the lasting influence it's had on fantasy films for more than forty years.Along the way: Sid Haig surprises, sword-and-sorcery nostalgia, fantasy movie rabbit holes and cinematic metaphors everywhere you look. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #JohnBoorman #PointBlank #Excalibur #LeeMarvin #FantasyFilms #MovieReview Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

On this episode of Day by Day, reading through the Bible, Dr. Clif shares how the book of Hosea uses the prophet's marriage to illustrate God's steadfast covenant love and justice amid Israel's unfaithfulness, ultimately highlighting the promise of restoration for the repentant. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif shares how Abraham's faith in Romans 4 exemplifies trusting God's power beyond visible circumstances, offering hope for believers facing seemingly impossible challenges. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif focuses on the importance of trusting God's sufficiency rather than relying on human efforts to achieve His promises, emphasizing obedience, surrender, and faith as keys to spiritual growth. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif discusses the true nature of saving faith, drawing from Paul's teaching in Romans chapter 4 and the example of Abraham. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif speaks on the transformative power of God, as described in Romans 4:17, highlighting how God brings life where only death once existed. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ben Haslar from Reels of Justice joins the podcast. He brings along the movie Blade. Marty and Clif give Ben the movie Batman to watch.First up is Batman (1989), Tim Burton's gothic take on the Caped Crusader starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Clif, Marty and Ben revisit the film that launched the modern comic book movie era. They discuss everything from Burton's unique style to Nicholson's unforgettable Joker. This version of Gotham City still casts a long shadow over superhero films today.Then it's time for Blade, where Wesley Snipes slices his way through vampires in one of the coolest action films of the '90s. The gang talks about the movie's influence on comic book cinema, it's groundbreaking action sequences and why Blade doesn't get the credit it deserves for paving the way for the superhero boom.Along the way: Juggalo origins, Batman movie rankings, vampire fashion, Michael Keaton appreciation and memorable movie quotes.#TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #Batman89 #Blade #MichaelKeaton #WesleySnipes #MovieReview #ComicBookMovies Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif shares that faith is not based on visible evidence but on the unwavering character of God, as illustrated by Abraham's example of trusting God's promises even amid uncertainty. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif focuses on the idea that genuine salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ rather than relying on religious rituals or activities as a source of righteousness. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif makes the distinction between earning and receiving, highlighting that salvation is a gift from God given by grace, not something we can achieve through our own efforts. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, our journey through Romans, Dr. Clif focuses on the importance of recognizing that salvation is a gift received through faith and not something earned by personal effort or morality. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

On this episode of Day by Day, reading through the Bible, Dr. Clif introduces the Book of Daniel, highlighting its message of God's ultimate rule over earthly kingdoms and encouraging faithfulness amidst adversity. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

Code-switching: tool or trap?In this episode of Two Mics Up, Dame, Clif, and SARGE break down the reality of code-switching—what it is, why we do it, and the hidden cost that comes with it.This conversation goes beyond definitions and dives into lived experience:1. The pressure to conform in corporate environments2. The psychological toll of constantly adjusting your identity3. Adaptation vs assimilation—and why the difference matters4. The risk of losing yourself in the process5. Practical strategies to show up authentically without sacrificing successFrom the “80/20 rule” to the idea of validating yourself before entering any room, this episode delivers real insight you can apply immediately.If you've ever felt like you had to become someone else to be accepted, this conversation is for you.Like, comment, and subscribe—and let us know your experience with code-switching.

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project. ---

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Marty gives Clif the movie Moonlight to watch and Clif gives Marty the movie The Martian to watch. Clif and Marty blast off to Mars before coming back down to Earth for one of the most acclaimed dramas of the last decade.First up is The Martian, where Matt Damon finds himself stranded on the Red Planet with nothing but potatoes, duct tape, disco and an unreasonable amount of optimism. Clif and Marty debate the film's direction, pacing and if the science is 'hard' or not.Then they turn to Moonlight, Barry Jenkin's Academy Award winning coming-of-age drama starring Mahershala Ali. Clif and Marty discuss quiet storytelling, unforgettable performances and how the film's themes of identity and loneliness create a powerful counterpoint to The Martian. Sometimes the biggest journey isn't through space. It's figuring out who you are.Along the way: 1980s slang, listener mail and potatoes as a survival strategy.#TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #TheMartian #Moonlight #MattDamon #MahershalaAli #MovieReview #SciFiMovies Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room as we kick off Act 2 of our HAMLET Project in SEASON 10

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, special guests Drew Kallen-Keck plus Ben Cheknis and Andrew Coltrin from "The Two Vague Podcast" join the podcast. Ben and Andrew bring along the movie Strange Brew. While Drew brings the movie Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead for everyone to watch.First is Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, Tom Stoppard's delightfully brainy adaptation starring Gary Oldman and Tim Roth. The gang dives into fate, free will and if this might be the ultimate "theater kid" movie. There's plenty to chew on. Next is Strange Brew, where Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas prove that Shakespeare and Bob & Doug McKenzie have more in common than anyone expected. Clif, Marty, Andrew, Drew, and Ben celebrate the film's wonderfully goofy charm, debate how much Hamlet is really in the script and agree that the movie is quintessentially Canadian. Along the way: prank phone calls from high school, Pink Floyd deep cuts, theater stories, Richard Dreyfuss appreciation, charcuterie jokes and enough Hamlet references to make your old English teacher proud.Nerd Emergencies! Kickstarter#TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #StrangeBrew #RosencrantzAndGuildensternAreDead #GaryOldman #RickMoranis #CultCinema #MovieReview Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Every year, thousands of retirees pay an extra penalty to the IRS — and almost none of them see it coming. What catches them off guard isn't a penalty for owing too much. You can do everything right — claim Social Security at the right age, run picture-perfect Roth conversions, manage your withdrawals down to the dollar — and still get a letter from the IRS charging you extra. I reworked a framework from an article by Sheryl Rowling at Morningstar into four clean, completely legal ways to avoid getting tax penalties. After that, we've got a listener question: A retiree writes in and says, "I don't want to think about money. My plan is tested, I have enough — so what's a simple checklist I can use to stay on track?"  And to close the show, our Retire To Something segment where Clif traded his to-do list for a garden plot — and found community, leadership, and a whole lot of homegrown vegetables in the process.   Resource: Article by Sheryl Rowling at Morningstar: 5 Ways to Avoid Tax Penalties    Connect with Benjamin Brandt: Subscribe to the This Week in Retirement: http://thisweekinretirement.com Get the Retire-Ready Toolkit: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com Work with Benjamin: https://retirementstartstoday.com/start Get the book!Retirement Starts Today: Your Non-financial Guide to an Even Better Retirement Follow Retirement Starts Today in:Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or iHeart  

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Marty gives Clif the movie Scream 7 to watch and Clif gives Marty the movie The Long Walk to watch. First up is Scream 7, which brings Neve Campbell back as Sidney Prescott for another showdown with Ghostface. Clif questions the film's writing, predictable twists and increasingly over-the-top kills, while Marty argues that the franchise still knows how to reinvent itself, balancing nostalgia with a few fresh ideas. It's one of the liveliest debates the show's had in a while.Then it's on to The Long Walk, where the conversation shifts from masked killers to psychological endurance. Clif and Marty discuss how the adaptation captures the hopeless tension of King's story, the emotional toll of the competition and why sometimes the scariest horror movie doesn't need monsters at all.They also cover listener mail, AI deepfakes, safe rooms with questionable design choices and the age-old question of whether horror fans are willing to forgive absolutely anything if Ghostface is holding the knife.Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ryan Luis Rodriguez from Reels of Justice joins the podcast. He brings along the movie Working Girls. Marty and Clif give Ryan the movie Psycho to watch.First up is Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock's legendary shocker that changed horror movies forever. Clif, Marty, and Ryan discuss Norman Bates, the famous shower scene, and why the film still works even when everyone already knows the ending.Then it's on to Working Girls, Lizzie Borden's low-key but fascinating look at a day in the life of sex workers. The conversation covers the film's resemblance to Sean Baker's slice-of-life approach, its sense of humor, then finally, it's matter-of-fact tone and humanity.Along the way: Norman Bates business management strategies, courtroom podcast updates, arguments over cult classics, and the realization that some movies are a lot stranger than their reputations suggest.Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Clif and Marty welcome special guest Bobby LePire for a double feature that goes from chaotic 1980s comedy to long-lost stop-motion sci-fi. Bobby brings along the movie The Primevals. Marty and Clif give Bobby the movie D.C. Cab to watch.First up is D.C. Cab, Joel Schumacher's first feature as a director. Clif, Marty, and Bobby try to make sense of a movie that feels like five different comedies stitched together with duct tape, cocaine, and a flamethrower. The conversation covers Mr. T, Gary Busey and how this bizarre train wreck somehow became a cult favorite and commercial success overseas. Then they head into the mountains with The Primevals, the decades-in-the-making fantasy adventure featuring Yetis, aliens, stop-motion creatures, and enough practical effects to make old-school genre fans very happy. The gang discusses the movie's fascinating production history and whether this passion project was worth the wait. Along the way, Hamburger University becomes an actual topic of conversation, Poland's apparent love affair with DC Cab gets investigated and the phrase "interesting train wreck" gets repeated for a reason.Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Send us Fan Mail This week on Talking Pondo, Clif and Marty welcome special guest Daniel Roebuck for “Talking Lemmon,” celebrating the career of the legendary Jack Lemmon.First up is How to Murder Your Wife, a wild 1960s comedy that finds a carefree bachelor waking up married and immediately questioning every decision that led him there. Clif, Marty, and Daniel discuss the film's energy, attitudes, and why Lemmon could make even the most ridiculous premise work. Then they move on to Save the Tiger, where a very different Jack Lemmon delivers one of the most powerful performances of his career. As a struggling businessman willing to cross every line to stay afloat, Lemmon anchors a dark portrait of a man trying to survive a rapidly changing world. Along the way: movie-star versus character-actor debates, lemonade sponsorship opportunities, punk rock movies, mysterious opening title cards, and the discovery that both films somehow begin with Jack Lemmon getting out of bed and heading for the shower.#TalkingPondo #JackLemmon #DanielRoebuck #FilmPodcast #HowToMurderYourWife #SaveTheTiger #ClassicCinema #MovieReview Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Robb Maynard has a triumphant return to the podcast. He brings along the movie Send Help. Marty and Clif give Robb the movie The Quiet Earth to watch.Clif and Marty welcome special guest Robb Maynard from the Reels of Justice podcast for a double feature connected by one simple premise: how would you survive when everything goes completely sideways?First is The Quiet Earth, the cult New Zealand sci-fi classic about a man who wakes up to find himself seemingly alone in the world. Clif, Marty and Robb discuss post-apocalyptic loneliness, questionable survival plans, and having the entire planet to yourself.Then it's on to Send Help. Sam Raimi's darkly funny survival thriller starring Rachel McAdams. What starts as a castaway story quickly turns into a battle of wills, shifting power dynamics, and bad choices. The gang debates who's really in control, who's the villain, and whether anyone should be trusted on a deserted island.Along the way: Survivor strategy, Bruce Campbell Easter eggs, post-apocalyptic road trips, murderous boars and an alarming amount of discussion about tuna fish sandwiches.Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Marty gives Clif the movie Suitable Flesh to watch and Clif gives Marty the movie Green Book to watch. Clif and Marty pair up two movies that somehow work exceptionally well together. Here comes Green Book and Suitable Flesh. We start with Suitable Flesh. A wild Lovecraft-inspired body-swap horror throwback featuring Heather Graham and horror legend Barbara Crampton. Clif and Marty talk B-movie charm, gross-out effects and Stuart Gordon vibes. Overthinking this movie might ruin the fun!Next, it's Peter Farrelly's Oscar-winning road movie Green Book starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, discussing the chemistry between the leads and the film's mix of comedy and drama. Green Book often feels like “The Odd Couple in a car.” They also cover listener mail, Jim Jarmusch appreciation and pizza-folding sitcom jokes. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #GreenBook #SuitableFlesh #MovieReview #HorrorMovies #ClassicCinema #BarbaraCrampton Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Frank Dietz joins the podcast. He brings along the movie Breakheart Pass. Marty and Clif give Frank the movie Anatomy of a Murder to watch. First is Anatomy of a Murder.  A gripping courtroom drama from Otto Preminger starring James Stewart. With standout performances from George C. Scott and Lee Remick, the film pushes boundaries with its themes, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable trial sequences.Then it's on to Breakheart Pass, where Charles Bronson leads a western that turns into a full-on murder mystery. Set aboard a snowbound train, it's less shootout and more whodunit. Think Agatha Christie meets the Old West, with paranoia, twists, and a killer hiding in plain sight.#TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #MovieReview #ClassicCinema #AnatomyOfAMurder #BreakheartPass #CharlesBronson #JamesStewart Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Marty gives Clif the movie Space Truckers to watch and Clif gives Marty the movie SpaceCamp to watch. Clif and Marty take on a space themed double feature with SpaceCamp and Space Truckers. Plenty of space for everyone!SpaceCamp (1986) taps into that 80s spirit of adventure and imagination. What happens when a group of trainees are suddenly launched into space for real?Space Truckers (1996) heads in a much stranger direction, blending sci-fi with offbeat humor. Clif and Marty explore what gives the film its cult following and whether its oddball approach ultimately lands. Anywhere. #TalkingPondo #SpaceCamp #SpaceTruckers #MoviePodcast #SciFiMovies #FilmDiscussion #80sMovies #CultFilm Support the showFind our films here:The Love Song of William H ShawRevenge of ZoeWriting Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on FacebookX (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagramMaking Pondo on Letterboxd:Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourTheme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin

Clif Holland shares a father-and-son motorcycle adventure that took an unexpected turn shortly after arriving at Big Bend National Park. After a 700-mile ride to reach the start of their backcountry route, the decision to explore before staging their gear set the tone for what followed. Riding a heavily loaded BMW R1200GS on remote backroads, Clif quickly found himself facing the challenges of sand, weight distribution, and the limited margin for error on big adventure bikes, which led to DEEP TROUBLE. We talk about backcountry riding and the importance of preparation, training, and testing your setup before tackling routes like the BDR.

The Court watches you while you sleep this week when Marty Ketola and Clif Campbell (“Making Pondo/Talking Pondo” Podcast) try to debunk the 2007 found footage film “Paranormal Activity.” *** Prosecutor: Marty Ketola and Clif Campbell. Defense: Big Ben Haslar. Judge: The Honorable Maynard Bangs. Jurors: Maynard Bangs, Ryan Luis Rodriguez, Dylan J. Schlender. *** Advisory: Silvana Carranza. Prologue: Kirk R. Thatcher. Original Theme: WT Golden.What did you think of the verdict?

Get my 9 Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge HERE =>  https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com   On this splendiferous episode with the great Clif Harski we dig deep into:  Limitations of Only Training the Fundamentals Critique of the "inch wide, mile deep" philosophy when it becomes a narrow trench Analogy of digging a foundation but never building the house Indiana Jones / Holy Grail analogy for strength that only works under ultra-specific conditions Over-Reliance on the "Big Six" Kettlebell Lifts Why double front rack squats aren't the ultimate lower-body lift for strong lifters Geometry and grip limitations with heavy kettlebells Need for asymmetrical stances, different holding positions, and varied loading strategies Form vs. Getting Strong Critique of obsessing over perfect form at the expense of progress Example: Difference between cleaning a light bell vs. a heavy "beast" and why they can't (and shouldn't) look identical How rigid standards in cert environments differ from what's safe and productive in real-world training Single-Leg & Unilateral Work Value of lunges, single-leg hinges, and kickstand variations for strength and athletic carryover Why lunges are often unfairly maligned in the kettlebell world How bringing up weaker single-leg patterns can improve bilateral lifts Power, Explosiveness & "Construction Man Muscles" Cliff's argument that training for power maintains strength better than grinding strength maintains power Story of high-rep double beast cleans and the toll on grip/skin vs. systemic fatigue Separation between muscles that make you "look jacked" or lift heavy (back, traps, grip) vs. muscles that make you jump higher and move faster (legs and hips) Aging, Athleticism & Movement Quality How loss of explosiveness is an obvious sign of aging Using kettlebells for safe high-volume power work vs. the limitations and risks of high-volume jumping/sprinting Examples of explosive non-kettlebell work (clap pushups, box jumps) and how kettlebells complement or substitute for them Why Kettlebells Are Uniquely Suited to "Athletic" Training Kettlebells as tools for multi-directional, explosive, and athletic patterns Comparison with barbells and dumbbells for the same purposes Critique of treating kettlebell training like "barbell lite" (purely bilateral, anti-rotation, simplified patterns) Dogma, Branding & Narrow Messages in the Kettlebell World Discussion of how simple, rigid branding (e.g., "just the basics," "Simple & Sinister forever") can overshadow nuance How organizational culture, "good soldier" behavior, and seeking approval from "upper echelons" feed dogma Aleks's example of pushback on his hike-position power swing despite praise from Mark Reifkind Variety, Programming & Long-Term Progress The "magic" of any new focused program for 1–3 months and why people keep thinking each new program is "the one" Concept of maintaining baseline strength while rotating focus to new qualities (jumping, unilateral strength, new skills) Limitations of kettlebell progress without access to very heavy bells and why variety in stance and load is essential Training Frequency & the "3x/Week for 30 Minutes" Meme Cliff's concept of "founderitis" and selection bias in program marketing Why 3x30 works great for novices or detrained folks, but isn't a universal, permanent solution Discussion of when and how to add more days or volume intelligently Science vs. Art in Strength & Hypertrophy Training Hypertrophy chat: 5 reps vs. 20 reps, and why individual response and enjoyment matter Argument that training is as much art as science, especially for long-term adherence How personal preference, fun, and life context shape effective programming Inclusivity vs. Tribalism in Fitness "Death is winning, do something" – why almost any modality is better than doing nothing Caution against dismissing other methods or modalities (Pilates, etc.) that genuinely get people moving The real goal for most people: health, broad capacity, and resilience—not niche over-specialization Bell Fest: Kettlebell Festival & Community Origin story of Bell Fest and how Cliff got involved Description of Bell Fest as a kettlebell party: community vibe, variety of styles, supportive environment Shift from purely brutal workouts to more education-focused sessions Lineup highlights: Cliff Harsky, Dave Whitley, Denis Vasilev, and others Practical info: dates, Austin location, CEUs, pricing, and discount code via FKT Emphasis on Bell Fest as a place to see many different kettlebell styles coexist in one event Wrap-Up & Where to Find Cliff Cliff's social media: @cliftonharski and @functionalkettlebelltraining https://www.instagram.com/cliftonharski?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  Website: functionalkettlebelltraining.com On that note:  If you like training that: · Gives you more strength than it takes from you · Improves your stamina and resilience simultaneously · Powers-up every nook, cranny, crevice, and corner of your Soft Machine Then you just might like my 9-Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge. As the name indicates, it's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com   Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Clif G covers steps 8 and 9 at Southern Maryland Roundup 2026 in Annapolis, MD 

Clif G covers steps 4 and 5 at Southern Maryland Roundup 2026 in Annapolis, MD