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In our first story, Mark Schoenfeld dives into a captivating story of a college sophomore’s unexpected adventure abroad, from a covert mission to buy bootleg DVDs to an even more clandestine identity as an undercover evangelical Christian missionary. What happens when a spontaneous prank involving a Matt Damon look-alike turns serious, forcing a confrontation with an organization that calls itself “the company” and challenges the very meaning of faith? Mark calls his story “What Would Jed Do?” photo by kmr studios Mark Schoenfeld has been a lot of things: a window washer, a screen printer, a public radio host, a middle school teacher, and an adjunct professor to name a few. One thing he’s always been is a writer—of stories, songs, and poems—which led him to earn his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Montana. A disgruntled Texan, Mark and his family now call western Montana home. His work has appeared in print, online, and on-air, which you can find at markscho.com In our next story, join Tess Sneeringer, a high school junior on Halloween night 2009, as she navigates an exclusive party, a ninja-clad twin brother, and a sudden police raid that turns into a chaotic scramble for escape. What happens when a misplaced car and a nosy Officer Becky make this unpopular attendee the unlikely culprit for the entire bust? Tess calls her story “A Chance to be Popular”. Thanks for listening. photo by kmr studios Tess Sneeringer has lived in Missoula for six years and landed here after spending the first half of her twenties as an outdoor educator across the American West, far away from her childhood home in Washington, DC. Telling a story for Tell Us Something became a Missoula bucket list item after she saw her first show in 2019. So she told a story in 2021. But then she stayed in Missoula longer than she thought she would so figured she'd do it again. Her first appearance featured a survival story set in the Utah desert, and she's back on this episode of the podcast with another survival tale – this time of high school social life. In our next story, Kelley Provost shares her raw and honest journey of self-acceptance and defiance, beginning with a lifelong struggle against body image that culminates in a breast reduction. But just as newfound confidence blossoms on a dream European vacation, a phone call in London’s West End, moments before The Lion King, delivers a life-altering diagnosis that changes everything. Kelley calls her story “Careful Whatchya Wish For”. Thanks for listening. photo by kmr studios Kelley Provost Kelley Provost is a survivor, a thriver, a liver, and a lover. She loves Duran Duran, fashion, laughing, and dancing. Watching people be proud of themselves is her favorite thing ever. Her goal is to create a community of people who love themselves so much that they inspire others to do the same. A life coach, a life lover, a life LIVER. Closing out this episode of the Tell Us Something podcast, Jeff Ducklow embarks on an “adventure wish”. A seminary graduate turned sea kayak guide, Jeff recounts the incredibly dangerous decision to paddle toward and touch a Tidewater glacier in Alaska. What began as a bold pursuit of a memorable death could quickly become a fight for survival against one of nature’s most unpredictable forces. Jeff calls his story “A Terrible Idea”. Thanks for listening. photo by kmr studios Jeff Ducklow has always loved nature. As a youngster, he spent most of his free time playing in the woods and felt more at home there than he did anywhere indoors. He considered nature his friend even into adulthood when he decided to turn his passion for nature into a career as an adventure guide. Yes, Jeff felt he and nature were buddies. A belief he wholeheartedly embraced until the events in his story that you just heard shook his faith and gave him more insight into the nature of nature.
#realconversations #author #actor #Sedona #wrestling#Catch22 #creativewriting #Brooklyn #butterfliesCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN WE THE SPECIESMeet STEVE SCHLAM: “As they say, I've been doing this podcast fora long time. Nearly 400 interviews. Each unique. Many global. And now aninterview with Steve Schlam, replete with splendid commonalities. The stuffthat endures. We're two weeks apart in age. Similar early geographics. Professional careers in law and pharmacy. Andthe publishers of novels are well into our septuagenarian positions. And weboth relish and cherish Sedona, Arizona. And most importantly, Steve wrote thiswonderful stream-of-consciousness novel, conjuring Faulkner (his hero), ‘TheHarvesting of Haystacks Kane.' You have a 607-pound wrestler who collectsbutterflies. Much of the novel takes place in a hospital bed. I started readingthe novel. Magical, descriptive, and captivating style, which is an importantelement of our interview. I saw ‘roller coaster' in one of Steve's glowingreviews. Our interview is a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts. Thebirthing of a novel. Steve is a delight. Thanks, Nanda, at Coriolis and the universe.”Calvinhttps://www.youtube.com/c/ConversationswithCalvinWetheSpecIEs577 Interviews/Videos 9200 SUBSCRIBERSGLOBAL Reach. Earth Life. Amazing People. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT**STEVE SCHLAM: Actor; Author, ‘The Harvesting of HaystacksKane;' Master's Creative Writing; Live from Southern CaliforniaYouTube: https://youtu.be/bTZgfaExYzcLINK; steveschlam.comBIO: Steve Schlam was born in New York City and has lived incities and towns across the U.S.A. and in Mexico. An actor, as well as an author, he hasperformed on stages in all the places he has called home and earned a Master'sDegree in Creative Writing and English under the tutelage of Joseph Heller,renowned author of Catch-22. ‘TheHarvesting of Haystacks Kane' is Steve's first published novel.**WE ARE ALSO ON AUDIOAUDIO “Conversations with Calvin; WE the SpecIEs”ANCHOR https://lnkd.in/g4jcUPqSPOTIFY https://lnkd.in/ghuMFeCAPPLE PODCASTSBREAKER https://lnkd.in/g62StzJGOOGLE PODCASTS https://lnkd.in/gpd3XfMPOCKET CASTS https://pca.st/bmjmzaitRADIO PUBLIC https://lnkd.in/gxueFZw
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery chats with the wonderful Saad Omar Khan about his debut novel, Drinking the Ocean (Wolsak & Wynn, 2025). The day after his thirty-third birthday, Murad spots a familiar face at a crowded intersection in downtown Toronto. Shocked, he stands silently as Sofi, a woman he'd fallen in love with almost a decade ago, walks by holding the hand of a small child. Murad turns and descends the subway steps to return home to his wife as the past washes over him and he is taken back to the first time they met. Moving between Lahore, London and Toronto, Drinking the Ocean is a story of connections lost and found and of the many kinds of love that shape a life, whether familial, romantic or spiritual. As Murad's and Sofi's lives touch and separate, we see them encounter challenges with relationships, family and God, and struggle with the complexities facing Muslims in the West. With compassion and elegance, Saad Omar Khan delicately illuminates the arcs of these two haunted lives, moved by fate and by love, as they absorb the impact of their personal spiritual journeys Saad Omar Khan was born in the United Arab Emirates to Pakistani parents and lived in the Philippines, Hong Kong and South Korea before immigrating to Canada. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics and has completed a certificate in Creative Writing from the School of Continuing Studies (University of Toronto) where he was a finalist for the Random House Creative Writing Award (2010 and 2011) and for the Marina Nemat Award (2012). In 2019, he was longlisted for the Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction. His short fiction has appeared in Best Canadian Stories 2025 and other publications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Gobbo, Emmy, and Drew sit down to talk about designing and writing Gods and Pantheons. In Part 1, they discuss some of the finer points of genre blending, as well as what makes a god, by exploring the works of Lovecraft, Martin, and Gaiman, while also examining works such as The Magnus Archives, Dragon Age, and Guild Wars. Under the Hive of Madness is a Warhammer 40k Podcast diving into the Horror and Grimdark elements of the setting, so expect some adult themes, adult language, and more than a handful of Khorney Jokes!"They stalk cloaked in shadows, these killer-tyrants made of blood..."Email the show! UndertheHiveofMadness@gmail.com Join us today on Discord! Under the Hive of MadnessMERCH!Become a Patron. Find our cast through LinkTree Underthehiveofmadness.com
Send us a textWhat does success mean when you've spent your life running away rather than running towards something? Marcia Hutchinson's journey from a challenging childhood in Bradford to acclaimed debut novelist offers profound insights into resilience, creativity, and learning to celebrate life's achievements.As Marcia Hutchinson celebrates her recognition as one of the Observer's debut novelists to watch in 2025 alongside the publication of "The Mercy Step," she's learning to run towards joy rather than away from pain. Her story reminds us that sometimes our most painful experiences can become the source of our greatest strengths.The Mercy StepBradford, December 1962.A precocious Mercy makes her reluctant entrance into the world, torn from the warm embrace of her mother's womb, to a chaotic household that seems to have no place for her. Her siblings do not understand her, her mother's attention is given to the Church, and the entire family lives at the whims of her father's quick temper. Left to herself, Mercy finds solace in books, her imagination, and the quiet comfort of her faithful toy, Dolly. But escapism has its limits, and as the grip of family, faith and fear threatens to close in, Mercy learns she must act if she wants a different future; one where she is seen, heard, and her family set free. The Mercy Step is a sharply-witted and tender portrait of a young girl's quiet rebellion, and her refusal to be broken. Follow Marcia HutchinsonCosmic Muse: Vol. I: Your Voice (Mercury)Find your mercury placement in your birth chart and activate your personal voice codes. Ruthless TruthIs an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis. My life and career...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you'll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
In this episode of Bad Diaries Podcast, Tracy talks with writer Annabel Smith about throwing her diary across the room, hearting Michael J. Fox, and singing SexyBack at karaoke. Annabel has taken part in three Bad Diaries Salons, including our third ever salon back in 2017, in Perth. Annabel is also the creative force behind the live spoken word series To Whom It May Concern: Complaint Letters Live, and Tracy and Annabel talk about some of the similarities and differences with Bad Diaries Salon, and the pros and cons of reading live vs writing it all down.Just a heads-up – we talk about verbal sexual harassment in this episode. Take care.Annabel Smith is a writer based in Perth, Western Australia. Her debut novel, A New Map of the Universe, was shortlisted for the Western Australian Premier's Book Awards. She's also the author of experimental speculative novel The Ark, and US bestseller Whisky Charlie Foxtrot. She was one of five inaugural recipients of an Australia Council Creative Australia Fellowship for Emerging Artists, for her interactive digital novel/app The Ark.Annabel has published essays, short stories and articles in many of Australia's prestigious literary journals, and is in demand as a teacher, reviewer, speaker and interviewer. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Edith Cowan University.Find Annabel on her Substack, Thinks I'm Thinkin'.Find full show notes for this episode on the Bad Diaries Salon website baddiariessalon.com, or get in touch via Instagram or Facebook – we're @baddiariessalon everywhere.Thanks for joining us for Bad Diaries Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review us, wherever you get your podcasts.Bad Diaries Podcast Season 3 is recorded and produced in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, on the iwi lands of Taranaki Whānui, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Seasons 1 & 2 were also recorded in Naarm Melbourne, Australia, on the lands of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Mana Whenua, and to Elders past, present and emerging, of these lands.
A new Craftwork conversation with Matthew Clark Davison and Alice LaPlante, co-authors of The Lab: Experiments in Writing Across Genre, available from W. W. Norton & Col. Davison is the author of Doubting Thomas and founder of The Lab, a generative writing workshop. He is emeritus faculty in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University, and lives in Oakland, California with his husband. LaPlante is the author of the craft book The Making of a Story and the New York Times best-selling novel Turn of Mind. She has taught creative writing at Stanford and San Francisco State University and lives in Mallorca, Spain, with her family. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Subscribe to Brad Listi's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I speak with Maceo Nafisah Cabrera Estévez, a writer, book coach, editor, and co-founder of the Muslim Writer Salon. We discuss the realities of exploring creative writing programs as BIPOC writers and what it means to thrive both within and outside of those institutional spaces.Maceo shares her personal journey, from struggling through grad school and navigating the white literary canon, to building vibrant writing communities rooted in belonging, voice, and joy. She offers honest reflections on the limitations of MFA programs, especially for marginalized writers, and uplifts alternative ways to gain support, develop your craft, and build a writing career on your own terms.We also discuss the business side of writing, the emotional labor of sharing your work, and the mindset shifts needed to sustain a creative practice. If you've ever wondered whether you really need an MFA, or how to build a writing life that honors your values, this conversation will speak directly to you.If you liked what you heard, check out episode 311 on overcoming writer's block and episode 204 on multimodal and sustainable writing. I use Descript for video editing, generating interview transcripts, and easily sharing teaching videos. If you want a more efficient way to work, try it yourself here.You can learn more about my coaching services here. Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.Support our free resources with a one-time or monthly donation.To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/ You can connect with Maceo at the following links: muslimwriterssalon.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/maceocabreraestevez/This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*
June 2025 Dante's New SouthBenheart: Ben is a living testimony of a dream come true: from childhood between Morocco and Italy, through technical discoveries and dramatic trials, to rebirth and the founding of a brand that fuses hearts, craftsmanship and style. Benheart is not just fashion, but a life statement - combining heart and craftsmanship, with strong roots in Florence and global vision.www.benheart.it/?srsltid=AfmBOopJp1pzGmdew4Qc2oMvNo-0p7wLlIeJm9uVh_ETAUOWT1j-ilAdWaqas Khwaja is the Ellen Douglass Leyburn Professor of English at Agnes Scott College where he teaches courses in Postcolonial literature, British Romanticism, Empire Narratives, Victorian Novel, and Creative Writing. He has published four collections of poetry, Hold Your Breath, No One Waits for the Train, Mariam's Lament, and Six Geese from a Tomb at Medum, a literary travelogue about his experiences as a fellow of the International Writers Program, University of Iowa, and three edited anthologies of Pakistani literature. He served as translation editor (and contributor) for Modern Poetry of Pakistan, showcasing translations of poems by 44 poets from Pakistan's national and regional languages, and has guest-edited special issues on Pakistani Literature and poetry for the Journal of Commonwealth and Postcolonial Studies and Atlanta Review. A bilingual edition of one of his collections, No One Waits for the Train, was published as Nadie espera el tren in Madrid, Spain, in 2024.www.agnesscott.edu/directory/faculty/khwaja-waqas.htmlJoseph Saul Portillo After dedicating 25 years to Christian ministry and cultivating a successful career in business operations, Joseph Saul Portillo turned inward to explore his artistic calling, embarking on a new chapter in Fine Art Photography. Today, Joseph Saul is a Creative Producer and Digital Artist based in Rome, Georgia, whose evocative work in pictorial portraiture has earned him international acclaim as a Master of Light Photographer. His award-winning style, marked by emotional depth and artistic precision, has led to collaborations across film, music, and education projects. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Rome International Film Festival and on the Advisory Board for Georgia Highlands College's Digital Media and Communications program.www.josephsaulart.comWiktor Miesok was and raised in Poland, he relocated to Norway in 2012, drawn by a longing for Tolkienian mystical landscapes. Though he seeks inspiration in the silence and raw, untamed nature of the North, he remains stubbornly Eastern European at heart.An engineer by trade, he has a passion for storytelling and fiction that explores the human condition and its potential for both good and evil.His latest novel, and the first serious foray into fiction, tells the story of a young man in1980s East Germany who, in his search for freedom, ends up in a Soviet penal colony and becomes entangled in the ruthless criminal underworld.www.thegrimseries.comwww.youtube.com/@grim.hustleAdditional Music Provided by: Dr, Fubbs: www.tiktok.com/@doctorfubbs?lang=enPat Metheny: www.patmetheny.comJustin Johnson: www.justinjohnsonlive.comOur Advertisers:Lucid House Press: www.lucidhousepublishing.comWhispers of the Flight: www.amazon.com/Whispers-Flight-Voyage-Cosmic-Unity-ebook/dp/B0DB3TLY43The Crown: www.thecrownbrasstown.comBright Hill Press: www.brighthillpress.orgWe Deeply Appreciate:UCLA Extension Writing Program: www.uclaextension.eduMercer University Press: www.mupress.orgAlain Johannes for the original score in this show: www.alainjohannes.comThe host, Clifford Brooks', The Draw of Broken Eyes & Whirling Metaphysics, Athena Departs, and Old Gods are available everywhere books are sold. Find them all here: www.cliffbrooks.com/how-to-orderCheck out his Teachable courses, The Working Writer and Adulting with Autism, here: brooks-sessions.teachable.com
Is your brain making things harder than they really are?In this episode, Joey tells the story of a teen who dreaded doing a simple merit badge… until he realized the task wasn't hard, he just hated thinking about it. Joey breaks down why we all get stuck in what he calls “the first unpleasantness,” and how recognizing that mental trap can make hard things feel easier.Perfect for teens who avoid homework, chores, or anything that feels like a drag, this episode will teach you a simple mindset shift to move through resistance and get stuff done.Secret for an Awesome Life: Most times, the thought about doing the thing is worse than actually doing the thing.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.
Valerie's focus on the villain's monologue in She Said was always going to be risky because we'd have to hear Harvey Weinstein's justification but justification requires the villain owning his stuff! What's interesting is not what's said but who says it. There's also differences between the turning points in this movie and the others we've watched, and it has a big impact on the story. -M Get The Fundamentals of Storytelling today! Go to storynerd.ca/courses and use coupon code CANADA50, now through July 7, for 50% off. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Jessica Faust, President of BookEnds Literary Agency, details her 26-year career as a literary agent, growing the company from a small boutique firm to a large agency representing fiction and nonfiction for adult and children's markets. Listen in as she shares insights on current publishing trends, including the resurgence of romance, the reimagining of the cozy mystery genre, and the challenges facing the middle grade and young adult markets.BookEnds LiteraryWebsite: https://bookendsliterary.com/Social: @bookends_literaryGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we're here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you're ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we're here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children's book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BNEW! Writing Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
Sarah Burke interviews Jen Moss, the Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of JAR Podcast Solutions about her urgent call for Canadian podcast funding. They discuss the current state of the Canadian podcast industry, the challenges it faces, and the urgent need for government funding to support independent podcasting as a core cultural industry. Jen shares her insights on storytelling, the importance of authentic narratives, and the role of podcasts in shaping Canadian media. They also explore statistics on podcast listenership in Canada and propose solutions for enhancing support for independent creators. More About Jen Moss: Jen Moss co-founded JAR and serves as its Chief Creative Officer. With roots in theatre, arts journalism, CBC Radio and the NFB's Digital Studio, she blends skilled narrative strategy with audience-first thinking. Part visionary and part “podcasting doula,” Jen helps brands find their authentic voice—big ideas and fresh tracks included. She champions experimentation, audience insights, and creative risk-taking. A dedicated mentor, she also lectures at UBC's School of Creative Writing, shaping tomorrow's podcasters and storytellers. PODCASTERS, sign the open letter here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSzPVxgLzaUliIVuWa0JCqYoHDrFjyGZh7eFrCtXYWB85ofw/viewform Podcasts Jenn mentioned: https://staffbase.com/en/podcast/ https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirque-du-sound-podcast Connect with Sarah and Women in Media Network: https://www.womeninmedia.network/ https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork https://www.instagram.com/burketalks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Adventurer, award-winning travel writer and Director of Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, Jean McNeil knows a lot about the world and our ever-more threadbare connection to it. She chats to Mickey about her latest book, Latitudes: Encounters with a Changing Planet, a front-line witness account of the impact of climate change, and about her travels to and writing about remote, inhospitable places. Which started with being raised in one. And the fact Jean trained as a walking safari guide? Well, that's (big) catnip to our Mick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Amy Silverberg is a comedian and writer based in Los Angeles. Her stand-up comedy has been featured on Comedy Central, Hulu, NPR, and Amazon Prime. Her short fiction has appeared in Best American Short Stories, The Paris Review, Granta, and The New Yorker. She holds a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from USC, where she now teaches. Prior to publication, Amy's debut novel First Time, Long Time was hailed by Oprah Daily as “a funny, high-spirited novel…the book humorously describes a lesser-seen side of Los Angeles: the unglamorous neighborhood of Van Nuys, the humiliations of fame, the agony of trying—and failing—to be someone else, and the thrill of discovering yourself along the way.” “Somebody is always going through something,” she writes in the novel, just published by Grand Central Publishing. “Somebody is always reading a book and finding himself there.” Join us for a funny, thoughtful look at the ways Amy's comedy informs her writing, the ways her writing fuels her comedy, and the many ways she finds herself in her work. Learn more about Amy Silverberg: Website Instagram Threads TikTok Twitter Please support the sponsors who support our show: Gotham Ghostwriters' Gathering of the Ghosts Ritani Jewelers Daniel Paisner's Balloon Dog Daniel Paisner's SHOW: The Making and Unmaking of a Network Television Pilot Heaven Help Us by John Kasich Unforgiving: Lessons from the Fall by Lindsey Jacobellis Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Libro.fm (ASTOLDTO) | 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 when you start your membership Film Freaks Forever! podcast, hosted by Mark Jordan Legan and Phoef Sutton Everyday Shakespeare podcast A Mighty Blaze podcast The Writer's Bone Podcast Network Misfits Market (WRITERSBONE) | $15 off your first order Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Wizard Pins (WRITERSBONE) | 20% discount
A special episode of Burning Bright, featuring an interview with Susan Baur, founder of Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage (OLAUG) and author of "In the Company of Turtles."Support the show
M.M. Olivas is an alumna of the 2022 Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop and the 2023 Under the Volcano Writers Residency. Her short fiction has appeared in several publications, including Uncanny Magazine, Weird Horror Magazine, Apex, and Bourbon Penn. As a trans, first-generation Chicana, she explores the intersection of queer and diasporic experiences in her fiction. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, earning her MFA in Creative Writing at San Jose State University and collecting transforming robots. More information about Olivas and her fiction can be found at olivasthewriter.wtfSundown in San Ojuela is out now! About the book:When the death of her aunt brings Liz Remolina back to San Ojuela, the prospect fills her with dread. The isolated desert town was the site of a harrowing childhood accident that left her clairvoyant, the companion of wraiths and ghosts. Yet it may also hold the secret to making peace with a dark family history and a complicated personal and cultural identity.Setting out on the train with her younger sister Mary in tow, she soon finds herself hemmed in by a desolate landscape where monsters and ancient gods stalk the night. She's relieved at first to find that her childhood best friend Julian still lives in San Ojuela, but soon realizes that he too is changed. Haunted.Yet she'll have no other choice than to seek out his help as the darkness closes in.#horror #horrorauthor #gothic #authorsofinstagram #horrorbooks #writerlife #SundownInSanOjuela #MMOlivas #gothichorror #southwestgothic #horror #horrornovel #horrornovels #horrorbooks #LFPBooks #queerbooks #transauthor #2024debut #2024debuts #latinehorror
Feeling stuck in the shame of not writing “enough”? In this episode, Lori Walker dismantles the myth of writing discipline and explores how to build a sustainable creative practice rooted in rhythm, curiosity, and compassion. It's not about writing every day—it's about finding your way back, again and again. Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest hosts bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani. Theme song: "Simply Upbeat" by Christian Telford, Kenneth Edward Belcher, and Saki Furuya.
Come listen to a WUU service! Pilgrimage is an ancient spiritual practice found around the world. The pilgrim sets out on a journey toward a sacred place, and it is on that purposeful journey that they can experience transformation and new meaning. What insights can we gain from reflecting on pilgrimage as a metaphor for our own lives? Join Steve DeLaney on a pilgrimage (in our imaginations!) as we seek inspiration and wisdom from this fascinating and inviting spiritual tradition. Steve DeLaney has worked in ministry with young people for over 25 years - in outdoor education, jail ministry, urban service, parish ministry, and as a high school teacher and campus minister. He has a MA in Theology and an MFA in Creative Writing. His passions include literature and writing, hiking, and gardening. He lives with his wife, Allison, and their three kids (and their dog Peach!) in Williamsburg, VA. You can find him on his blog: somedelaney.substack.com Nan Hart, Worship Associate Steve DeLaney, Guest Worship Leader Heidi Sousa, piano Liz Wiley, Worship Chair Thank you for listening. For more information about the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists, or to join us on Sunday mornings, visit www.wuu.org. Permission to reprint, podcast, and/or stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-735438. All rights reserved.
In this episode, we sit down with writing coach and industry strategist Nick Jobe for a conversation that moves well beyond the professional. He shares openly about growing up with fear and health anxiety, the impact of early emotional neglect, and the long process of stepping into personal responsibility and self-worth. We explore how EMDR helped him rewire long-held patterns, how COVID became a catalyst for questioning mainstream narratives, and why he draws a hard line when it comes to using AI in creative work. This is a conversation about value, alignment, and what it takes to stop living at odds with yourself…personally, relationally, and vocationally.Time Stamps 02:19 - Nick Jobe: The Writing Coach 03:18 - The Journey of Fear and Imagination 11:35 - Navigating Growth Through Adversity 16:32 - Transitioning Life in Los Angeles 24:38 - Navigating Trauma and Healing 28:42 - Reframing Trauma and EMDR Therapy 35:12 - The Value Explosion: A Journey to Self-Worth 42:20 - The Awakening: Understanding Media Influence 48:32 - Disrupting the Entertainment Industry 57:02 - The Weaponization of Humility in the Entertainment Industry 01:02:20 - The Impact of AI on Artistic Integrity 01:04:47 - The Impact of AI on Artistic Expression 01:10:57 - The Impact of Language Models on Creative Writing 01:16:08 - The Value of Personal Creativity 01:23:18 - The Impact of AI on Creativity 01:26:15 - Navigating Creative Blocks and Tools Guest Linkshttps://www.pageonetv.com/https://www.beyondthescript.tv/Connect with UsSubscribe to Here for the Truth FridaysTake the Real AF Test NowDiscover Your Truth Seeker ArchetypeJoin our membership Friends of the TruthWatch all our episodesConnect with us on TelegramAccess all our links
Assumptions without curiosity … GUEST Amy Julia Becker … helps people reimagine the good life through her writing and speaking on disability, faith, and culture at amyjuliabecker.com …author of “To Be Made Well,” “White Picket Fences,” “Small Talk,” and “A Good and Perfect Gift” … guest opinion writer for national publications and hosts the Reimagining the Good Life podcast … (Princeton Univ & Princeton Theo Seminary grad who lives with her husband & 3 kids in western CT) Rest, time luxurious, kids and sun, lemonade and cherries: Two poems on summer and the surf … GUEST Mischa Willet … Director of the MFA program in Creative Writing at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA … author of “The Elegy Beta” and “Phases”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textWhat does it truly take to survive in the bewildering world of publishing? My conversation with Catherine Yardley reveals the resilience at the heart of every writer's journey.From her unconventional start sending manuscripts directly to major publishers (without an agent!) to self-publishing multiple books, Yardley embodies the persistence required to navigate an industry that often operates on its own inscrutable timeline. Drawing from her decade-long acting career, Yardley brings authenticity to her latest novel "Where the Light is Hottest," which follows actress Natasha from small-town Scotland to Hollywood stardom. Whether you're a writer battling rejection, a creative seeking your path, or simply someone navigating life's unpredictability, this conversation offers wisdom, warmth, and the reassurance that persistence is never wasted. Where The Light Is HottestNatasha Jones has everything - a successful acting career, an Oscar, a wonderful husband and beautiful kids. But what does she have to go through to get there? From humble beginnings in a small town, Natasha's path to stardom is paved with setbacks, heartaches and moments of doubt. In the glittering world of fame and fortune, where dreams are spun from starlight and ambition fuels the relentless pursuit of success, one woman's journey stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.Follow Catherine YardleySupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you'll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson
Observing the beauty of nature, featuring four poems by Catherine Young, Deborah Casillas, Robert Tremmel and J. I. Kleinberg.Support the show
A flash-fiction podcast where a handful of writers create an original story with a limited wordcount in a limited amount of time. In this episode we drink from the church font and abruptly ascend. The stories are: 'Unrecognised Item in the Bagging Area,' by Amelia Armande, 'Calving the Meat,' by Joshua Crisp, 'Deletion Druid Issue 1,' by Fran Bushe, 'On the Verge,' by Robert McCloskey, 'Shop Floor of Horrors,' by Tom McNally. Featuring listener submission: 'The Feast' by David McNally of the Humberside Wargames Society. Visit us on our website, on Instagram, and send us a story on story@100wordsofastoundingbeauty.com. Created by Tom McNally, featuring Amelia Armande, Joshua Crisp, Fran Bushe and Robert McCloskey. Theme tune is Music For Jellyfish by Bell Lungs. Story music is by John Bartmann, released under a CC-BY license, featuring: Haywire Safari Time Weird Science Intrusion Countermeasure Cuban Heat Track art by Tom McNally. Support 100 Words of Astounding Beauty through our Ko-Fi.
Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Whispers in the Bamboo: A Tanabata Tale of Inspiration Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-07-07-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏のある日、京都の嵐山竹林は美しい緑色に輝いていました。En: One summer day, the Arashiyama bamboo grove in Kyoto was shining a beautiful green.Ja: 風が竹を揺らし、竹の葉が静かにささやく音が聞こえます。En: The wind was rustling the bamboo, and you could hear the gentle whispers of the bamboo leaves.Ja: この日は特に特別でした。なぜなら、七夕祭りの日だったからです。En: This day was particularly special because it was the day of the Tanabata festival.Ja: 竹には色とりどりの短冊がたくさん結ばれ、人々の願いが風に揺れていました。En: Many colorful paper strips, or tanzaku, were tied to the bamboo, and people's wishes were swaying in the breeze.Ja: はるきは、内気な作家です。En: Haruki is a shy writer.Ja: 彼は新しい物語のインスピレーションを探していますが、いつも難しいと感じていました。En: He is searching for inspiration for a new story but always finds it challenging.Ja: 特に人と話すのが苦手です。En: Especially because he is not good at talking to people.Ja: しかし、今日は特別な日にしようと決心し、七夕祭りに参加することにしました。En: However, he decided to make today special and chose to participate in the Tanabata festival.Ja: はるきは竹に短冊を結びます。「新しい物語のアイデアが欲しい」と書きました。En: Haruki tied a tanzaku to the bamboo, writing, "I want ideas for a new story."Ja: その瞬間、えみことかずきが近くを通りました。En: Just at that moment, Emiko and Kazuki passed by.Ja: えみこは明るく冒険好きです。En: Emiko is cheerful and loves adventure.Ja: 彼女は京都の文化を探索するために訪れています。En: She is visiting to explore the culture of Kyoto.Ja: えみこは、はるきの書いた短冊を見て、微笑みました。En: Emiko saw the tanzaku that Haruki had written and smiled.Ja: 「こんにちは、これを書いたのはあなた?」と声をかけます。En: "Hello, did you write this?" she asked.Ja: はるきは驚きましたが、えみこの親しみやすさに安心しました。En: Haruki was surprised but felt relieved by Emiko's friendly demeanor.Ja: 「はい、私ははるきです。新しい物語を書きたいと思っています。でも、なかなか良いアイデアが浮かびません。」En: "Yes, I'm Haruki. I want to write a new story, but good ideas just don't come to me."Ja: えみこは笑いながら答えました。En: Emiko replied with a laugh.Ja: 「私も旅行して新しい体験をしたいんです。もしかしたら、私たちがお互いにインスピレーションを与えられるかもしれませんね。」En: "I also want to travel and have new experiences. Maybe we can inspire each other."Ja: かずきもその会話に加わり、二人の出会いを喜びました。En: Kazuki joined the conversation, pleased with their meeting.Ja: 「えみこの冒険話は本当に面白いよ。En: "Emiko's adventure stories are really interesting.Ja: 良い話の種になると思う。」En: I think they could be great seeds for a story."Ja: えみこの話や旅の経験にインスパイアされたはるきは、新しい物語のアイデアを思い付きました。En: Inspired by Emiko's stories and travel experiences, Haruki came up with an idea for a new story.Ja: 七夕の伝説である織姫と彦星の物語に基づいて、えみことの友情を描くことにしたのです。En: He decided to depict a friendship with Emiko, based on the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi from the Tanabata lore.Ja: その日の終わり、はるきは心が軽く、前向きな気持ちになりました。En: By the end of the day, Haruki felt light-hearted and optimistic.Ja: 彼は新しい友達を作ることができ、さらなるインスピレーションを得たことを嬉しく思いました。En: He was happy to have made new friends and gained further inspiration.Ja: はるきは竹に再び短冊を結び直しました。「人との出会いを大切にし、物語を紡ぎたい」と。En: Haruki tied another tanzaku to the bamboo, writing anew, "Cherish encounters with people and weave stories."Ja: 七夕の空に願いを託し、はるきは新たな第一歩を踏み出しました。En: He entrusted his wish to the Tanabata sky and took a new first step forward. Vocabulary Words:grove: 竹林rustling: 揺らしwhispers: ささやくparticularly: 特にshy: 内気inspiration: インスピレーションchallenging: 難しいparticipate: 参加moment: 瞬間cheerful: 明るくadventure: 冒険explore: 探索するdemeanor: 親しみやすさrelieved: 安心converse: 会話pleased: 喜びましたdepict: 描くlegend: 伝説optimistic: 前向きなencounters: 出会いweave: 紡ぎentrusted: 託しlight-hearted: 心が軽くtie: 結ぶfestival: 祭りcolorful: 色とりどりknowledge: 知識experiences: 体験stories: 物語seeds: 種
Join Famida Choudhary in conversation Ros Wilson as they explore how to embed creative writing and vocabulary development into the daily routine of ESL classrooms. In this show, Ros shares decades of insight on the power of talk, the importance of structured oracy, and how purposeful language exposure can transform writing outcomes for multilingual learners. From classroom routines to story-based vocabulary games and the role of family talk, discover how to build confident, expressive young writers—one sentence at a time.
Amelia Blackwell has a master's degree in Creative Writing, a corn snake called Colin, and a deep love of the works of Jane Austen. Although the Boleyns appear in her family tree, it's through marriage, not blood, which is probably just as well. Georgiana Darcy's most persistent suitor in her novel A Crime Through Time, Baron John de Halighwell, takes his name from one of Amelia's distant great-grandfathers, who lived in a mansion that even Lady Catherine de Bourgh would admire. She has previously published YA under Lisa Glass.We had great fun chatting with Amelia and hearing about the ups and downs of her career as an author, including several agent changes, as well as what led to her writing her new novel, A Crime Through Time. We talk about Jane Austen, the research she did for the novel and why she wanted to tell this time-skipping story.Links:Buy A Crime Through Time now!Follow Amelia on InstagramAdventures in Publishing-Land RSS FeedSTET Podcasts YouTube channelSupport us on Patreon and get great benefits!: https://www.patreon.com/ukpageonePage One - The Writer's Podcast is brought to you by Write Gear, creators of Page One - the Writer's Notebook. Learn more and order yours now: https://www.writegear.co.uk/page-oneFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramFollow us on BlueskyFollow us on ThreadsPage One - The Writer's Podcast is part of STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing and publishing podcast needs! Follow STET Podcasts on Instagram and Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rebecca is excited to speak with Pakistani-Canadian author Saad Omar Khan about his debut novel, Drinking the Ocean, published by Wolsak & Wynn in 2025. Saad was born in the United Arab Emirates to Pakistani parents and lived in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and South Korea before immigrating to Canada. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics and has completed a certificate in Creative Writing from the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto. His short fiction has appeared in Best Canadian Stories 2025 and other publications. Saad lives outside of Toronto and is currently working on his second novel. Books mentioned: Ley Lines by Tim Welsh Stella Maris; Blood Meridian; All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin The Sheltering Sky; Travels: Collected Writing 1950-1993; The Stories of Paul Bowles by Paul Bowles Abdullah Ansari of Herat: An Early Sufi Master by A.G. Farhadi https://www.saadomarkhan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/s.omar.khan/ https://bookstore.wolsakandwynn.ca/collections/all/products/drinking-the-ocean https://www.biblioasis.com/shop/fiction/short-fiction/best-canadian-stories-2025/ https://augursociety.org/
Celebrating International Kissing Day with romantic poems by John Davis, Clarinda Harriss and Terry S. Johnson.Support the show
Ever struggle to get into a widely popular book? Check out these potential reasons why.In this episode, host Erin P.T. Canning discusses the interesting choices Callie Hart, a successful former indie author, made with her romantasy novel, Quicksilver.Tune in to this unique case study from an editor's and reader's perspective. You will gain valuable insights into the flexibility of publishing guidelines, learning how authors can make informed decisions about manuscript length and structure. You will also uncover the nuanced reasons behind reader engagement and connection with characters, ultimately equipping you with a fresh perspective on the craft of writing and reading. Send us a textLOOKING FOR WRITING SUPPORT & FRIENDS? Join my Patreon to access my Discord writing group, get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more: https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor
Thom Francis introduces us to poet, editor, and educator Rebecca Schumejda. In their conversation they discuss writing about the people she met at the pool hall she once owned, her online zine “Trailer Park Quarterly,” and keeping poetry accessible. The latest edition of “Trailer Park Quarterly” will be available online at https://trailerparkquarterly.com later this month. —— Rebecca Schumejda has worked hard over her time as a writer and editor to make poetry accessible to everyone, not just those in academia. She herself graduated with a BA in English and Creative Writing from SUNY New Paltz and a MA in Poetics and Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Rebecca is the author of the following full-length books: “Falling Forward” (sunnyoutside press), “Cadillac Men” (NYQ Books), “Waiting at the Dead End Diner” (Bottom Dog Press), “Our One-Way Street “(NYQ Books) and the following chapbooks: “The Tear Duct of the Storm” (Green Bean Press) “Dream Big, Work Harder”(sunnyoutside press), “The Map of Our Garden” (verve bath press), “From Seed to Sin” (Bottle of Smoke Press) and is the co-author of “Common Wages” with Don Winter (Working Stiff Press). In her writing, she often tells the stories of the working class. She once took a job as a waitress for her book, “Waiting at the Dead End Diner”(Bottom Dog Press), and got inspiration from the people who walked in the door and sat at her tables. In her book, “Cadillac Men,” Rebecca writes about the regulars who frequented the pool hall she and her late-husband opened in Kingston, NY. She read about one of those characters, Mikey Meatballs, at the Albany Poets Presents event Restaurant Navona in Albany on October 19, 2016.
In her debut episode, new host Ravina Wadhwani gets real about a struggle many creatives face: standing in our own way. With warmth and vulnerability, she reflects on impostor syndrome, self-sabotage, and the pressure to succeed even when we've already achieved so much. This episode is a compassionate reminder that your magic deserves room to breathe, and you are not alone in this work. Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest hosts bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani. Theme song: "Simply Upbeat" by Christian Telford, Kenneth Edward Belcher, and Saki Furuya.
Author and Stronger Girl Coffee founder Stacy Smith Rogers discovered the power of community in a unique story of entrepreneurship, grief and encouraging others to embrace their stories with strength, faith and boldness. Her former business, The Paddock Coffee + Eats + Gatherings, earned the 2021 Tourism Business of the Year award, just two years after opening in the midst of the pandemic and divorce. It became a source of hope and an example of perseverance for thousands of guests. In December of 2022, she sold the coffee shop to a non-profit that is continuing her hospitality model and brand as well as the mission to serve and inspire others. Her brand, Stronger Girl, is brewed for belonging and is a community where every woman's story is safe, and her strength is seen. Her signature retreat experience is the Stronger Girl Glampout which she hosts in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. Additionally, she authors a magazine on Substack -- spoiler alert, it's called Stronger Girl.You can find more about Stacy and Stronger Girl at www.strongergirlcoffee.com and at stacysmithrogers.com. The link to the JMB Living journals. Here's a link to LoveNotes! anthology. The Rejection Palace, An Act of Recognition. Listen to the Stronger Girl playlist on SpotifySign 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 @katcaldwell_writing
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Lindsay Zier-Vogel about her new novel, The Fun Times Brigade (Book*hug Press, 2025). From acclaimed author Lindsay Zier-Vogel comes an insightful and heart-rending exploration of motherhood, grief, and the search for identity. Amy is a new mother, navigating the fog of those bewildering early days and struggling with a role she feels ill-prepared for. It's the first time in a decade that she hasn't been living the busy life of an acclaimed children's musician, and her sense of self is unravelling. To make matters worse, her bandmates have seemingly abandoned her. In flashbacks, we see Amy's journey to success—her stumblings as a solo singer-songwriter and her eventual rise to fame as a member of the Fun Times Brigade. But as the novel progresses—and Amy grapples with a devastating loss—we come to understand how precarious definitions of artistic success can be. The Fun Times Brigade examines the enduring challenges of reconciling being an artist with being a mother. It is also a timely reflection on forgiveness and what it really means to have a good life in a world that demands we have—and be—it all, and asserts that amidst the chaos, we can find our way back to our genuine selves. About Lindsay Zier-Vogel: LINDSAY ZIER-VOGEL is a Toronto-based author and the creator of the internationally beloved Love Lettering Project. After studying contemporary dance, Zier-Vogel received her MA in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto. She is the author of the acclaimed novel Letters to Amelia, and her first picture book, Dear Street, was a Junior Library Guild pick, a Canadian Children's Book Centre book of the year, and was nominated for a Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award in 2024. The Fun Times Brigade is her second novel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Lindsay Zier-Vogel about her new novel, The Fun Times Brigade (Book*hug Press, 2025). From acclaimed author Lindsay Zier-Vogel comes an insightful and heart-rending exploration of motherhood, grief, and the search for identity. Amy is a new mother, navigating the fog of those bewildering early days and struggling with a role she feels ill-prepared for. It's the first time in a decade that she hasn't been living the busy life of an acclaimed children's musician, and her sense of self is unravelling. To make matters worse, her bandmates have seemingly abandoned her. In flashbacks, we see Amy's journey to success—her stumblings as a solo singer-songwriter and her eventual rise to fame as a member of the Fun Times Brigade. But as the novel progresses—and Amy grapples with a devastating loss—we come to understand how precarious definitions of artistic success can be. The Fun Times Brigade examines the enduring challenges of reconciling being an artist with being a mother. It is also a timely reflection on forgiveness and what it really means to have a good life in a world that demands we have—and be—it all, and asserts that amidst the chaos, we can find our way back to our genuine selves. About Lindsay Zier-Vogel: LINDSAY ZIER-VOGEL is a Toronto-based author and the creator of the internationally beloved Love Lettering Project. After studying contemporary dance, Zier-Vogel received her MA in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto. She is the author of the acclaimed novel Letters to Amelia, and her first picture book, Dear Street, was a Junior Library Guild pick, a Canadian Children's Book Centre book of the year, and was nominated for a Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award in 2024. The Fun Times Brigade is her second novel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Bianca Marais about her delightful and highly entertaining new book, A Most Puzzling Murder (Harper Collins, 2025), How do you solve a murder that hasn't happened yet?Destiny Whip is a former child prodigy, world-renowned enigmatologist and very, very alone. A life filled with loss has made her a recluse, an existence she's content to endure until a letter arrives inviting her to interview for the position of Scruffmore family historian. Not only does an internet search for the name yield almost nothing, it's a role she never applied to in the first place!She decodes the invitation's hidden message with ease, and its promise to reveal her family secrets proves too powerful a draw for the orphaned Destiny, who soon finds herself on Eerie Island. It's a place whose inhabitants are almost as inhospitable as the tempestuous weather. The Scruffmores themselves turn out to be not much better, a snarled mess of secrets and motives connected by their mistrust for one another.Their newly arrived guest proves to be just as much an enigma to them as they are to her. While Destiny slowly works to unravel the mysteries hidden throughout the ominous castle, she struggles to interpret disturbing nightly visions of what is to come. In the midst of cryptic ciphers, hidden passages, and the family's magical line of succession, Destiny is certain of two things: one of the Scruffmores is going to die and she's running out of time to stop it.Interspersed with riddles and puzzles that both Destiny and the reader must solve, A Most Puzzling Murder is a one-of-a-kind mystery that will leave you guessing and gasping until the very last page! About Bianca Marais: Bianca Marais cohosts the popular podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, which is aimed at helping emerging writers get published. She teaches creative writing through the podcast and was named a winner of the Excellence in Teaching Award for Creative Writing at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies. She lives in Toronto, where she loves playing escape-room games and writing about strong female protagonists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Bianca Marais about her delightful and highly entertaining new book, A Most Puzzling Murder (Harper Collins, 2025), How do you solve a murder that hasn't happened yet?Destiny Whip is a former child prodigy, world-renowned enigmatologist and very, very alone. A life filled with loss has made her a recluse, an existence she's content to endure until a letter arrives inviting her to interview for the position of Scruffmore family historian. Not only does an internet search for the name yield almost nothing, it's a role she never applied to in the first place!She decodes the invitation's hidden message with ease, and its promise to reveal her family secrets proves too powerful a draw for the orphaned Destiny, who soon finds herself on Eerie Island. It's a place whose inhabitants are almost as inhospitable as the tempestuous weather. The Scruffmores themselves turn out to be not much better, a snarled mess of secrets and motives connected by their mistrust for one another.Their newly arrived guest proves to be just as much an enigma to them as they are to her. While Destiny slowly works to unravel the mysteries hidden throughout the ominous castle, she struggles to interpret disturbing nightly visions of what is to come. In the midst of cryptic ciphers, hidden passages, and the family's magical line of succession, Destiny is certain of two things: one of the Scruffmores is going to die and she's running out of time to stop it.Interspersed with riddles and puzzles that both Destiny and the reader must solve, A Most Puzzling Murder is a one-of-a-kind mystery that will leave you guessing and gasping until the very last page! About Bianca Marais: Bianca Marais cohosts the popular podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, which is aimed at helping emerging writers get published. She teaches creative writing through the podcast and was named a winner of the Excellence in Teaching Award for Creative Writing at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies. She lives in Toronto, where she loves playing escape-room games and writing about strong female protagonists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature
Send us a textIn this playful and mysterious final story of Season 3, the muse returns with a mission—from outer space, no less. Anja reflects on longing, imagination, and unexpected gifts that defy logic but spark delight. Flamenco music, invisibility cloaks, and sparkling alien eyes… anything can happen when the muse bursts a bubble in your face.A light-hearted, surreal sendoff to a season full of musings, memories, and the magic of improvisation.New stories return with Season 4 soon—until then, may your muse keep whispering.✨ Dreamy Cappuccino – Stories, Musings, Memories☕ A new story drops every Sunday at 6 PM GMT
Saying “I can't” sounds controlled. Saying “I won't” sounds unstoppable. In this episode, I explore the life-changing difference between the two, teaching teens how to own their values with power and confidence, whether it's about religious standards, digital discipline, or resisting peer pressure. This episode gives teens the tools to stop sounding limited and start standing tall.
It's a brand new season and that means two brand new study topics! In Season 15, I'm studying something called the villain's monologue and Melanie is studying turning points. Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 is one of those films that's ok as long as you don't look too closely! There are definitely logic problems but insofar as our study topics are concerned, this movie offers up some valuable craft advice. Enjoy! -V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
What happens when you mix a fierce sibling bond, a deep love for storytelling, writing, advocacy and a chicken named Rosemary? You get today's episode of The Lucky Few Podcast! We're joined by the incredible Melissa Hart, author, educator, journalist and big sister to Mark, her brother who has Down syndrome.This episode is full of heart, humor, and hope—plus a reminder that inclusion starts at home and ripples out into the stories we tell.Melissa shares her powerful journey growing up alongside her brother, the outdated and harmful messages her family faced, and how her mom's bold choice to raise her brother with full inclusion shaped all their lives. From early childhood therapies to joyful adulthood, Melissa's story is one of advocacy, love, and laughter.In This Episode, We Cover:The outdated advice families were once given—and Melissa's mom's courageous responseHow Melissa's relationship with her brother shaped her writingRepresentation of people with Down syndrome in literatureHer latest book, Down Syndrome Out LoudAnd yes… an appearance from Rosemary the chicken
Erica Stern joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about self-interrogation and taking risks to tell the story we need to, exploring the liminality of a lived experience through the speculative, hybrid memoir and leaning into history and research to illuminate and deepen understanding, the unexpected complications she experienced in childbirth, the historical misogyny in U.S. medical system, the male takeover of birth, how trauma can stunt empathy, trusting the work will go where it needs to go, giving our projects time and space to grow, when publishers and editors are not quite sure what to make of your book, exercising control over the uncontrollable, the long road to publishing, capturing the timelessness of an experience, and her new book Frontier: A Memoir and a Ghost Story. Also in this episode: -discovering material through writing -meditations on the history of childbirth -when an editor encourages you to make your book even more like itself Books mentioned in this episode: -The Suicide Index by Joan Wickersham -An Encyclopedia of Bending Time by Kristen Keane -My Autobiography of Carson McCullers by Jenn Shaplans -A Life's Work: On Becoming a Mother by Rachel Cusk Erica Stern's work has been published in The Iowa Review, Mississippi Review, Denver Quarterly, and elsewhere. She has been awarded fellowships and residencies from the Vermont Studio Center, the Martha's Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing, and the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. Erica received her undergraduate degree in English from Yale and her MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A native of New Orleans, she now lives with her family in Evanston, Illinois. Connect with Erica: Website: erica-stern.com Instagram: @ericasternwriter Substack: @ericastern Bluesky: @ericarstern.bsky.social Get the book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/frontier-a-memoir-and-a-ghost-story/876292ffe52fe93f?ean=9798985008937&next=t&next=t https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frontier-erica-stern/1146916883?ean=9798985008937 https://www.barrelhousemag.com/books/frontier-erica-stern – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories. She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social Background photo credit: Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers
A special episode of Burning Bright, featuring an outgoing interview with founding editor Kendra Kopelke.Support the show
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Running a retail business isn't just about WHAT you sell—it's about WHO you bringing together in your retail store. In this heartwarming and wisdom-filled episode, Cadence Kidwell of Fuzzy Goat (a yarn store in Thomasville, Georgia) shares how she's built a thriving business rooted in connection, creativity, and community support. Whether you're a seasoned retailer or just starting out, Cadence's story will inspire you to think big, act bravely, and build something meaningful. Key Takeaways from a Retail Yarn Store Owner: Cadence shares her inspirational journey from university teacher to yarn shop owner Why community is the most important product she sells How she built a strong, trusted team that loves the store like it's their own Creative marketing tools she swears by (like countdowns and story-driven videos) How events like Local Yarn Shop Day bring huge in-store traffic Why offering benefits like retirement plans helps retain staff The importance of mentorship, coaching, and always learning something new “We're not just selling yarn. We are selling connection and whimsy.” - Cadence Kidwell About Cadence and Fuzzy Goat Prior to opening Fuzzy Goat, Cadence Kidwell obtained a PhD in Creative Writing and designed a certificate program for students to develop cultural competencies while working at Florida State University. She was happy with that career but began dreaming of her own shop. She decided that she could either steady-on into the last decade of university life or she could join the makers' life by building a business from a rough-worn building & filling it with beautiful yarns made by strong women. Luckily for Thomasville (and the rest of us) she chose the latter. Fuzzy Goat is truly an independent business with over 90% of our merchandise created by other independent women makers. Fuzzy Goat creates a space where conversation across generations and life experiences is valued and sought after. Follow along with Cadence and Fuzzy Goat here: Website | Instagram | Facebook Use code SHOPTALK to get 11% off your order through Fuzzy Goat's website! Related podcasts we think you'll like: Episode 183: Fine Tuning Your Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner Episode 244: Behind the Counter: From E-Commerce to Brick and Mortar with Chris Waddy of Loopy Wool Episode 259: Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy & Chris Hart About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/ For more support from Wendy Join Wendy's CEO Planning Session for Retailers Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!
Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're defining the relationship, ya'll, with Carleigh Ferrante! Carleigh is the creator and voice of @mostlydating on Instagram and host of the Mostly Dating podcast, having built a community of over 200,000 with her honest takes on dating and relationships. Whether you're feeling things out with someone new, stuck in dating limbo, or ready to move from casual to committed, this episode offers advice on how to approach conversation around exclusivity and defining the relationship with clarity and confidence. We'll talk about what signs to look for that someone is ready for the conversation, how to know if you're ready, what to consider before having it, and how to handle it if you're not on the same page. Carleigh shares her take on the timing of the DTR convo, whether exclusivity and defining the relationship are the same thing, and how to navigate situations where one person needs more time. We also cover what to expect after this conversation, like how to keep things moving forward or how to walk away if it's not working. And finally, we talk a little mindset. Why do we fear scaring someone? And how can we stay grounded when we're feeling unsure about where we stand with someone? So, whether you're about to DTR, go exclusive, all of the above, or none of above, stick around for a candid and honest conversation about dating and relationships. Alright, let's do this, Flirties, and meet Carleigh! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world! Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee! About our guest: Carleigh Ferrante is a New York–based writer and creator behind the hit dating podcast Mostly Dating, where she delivers approachable, insightful advice for every stage of modern relationships. Her work blends humor, heart, and accessible guidance, with episodes running weekly and featuring practical tips, listener questions, and conversations that help build healthier, happier, and lasting connections. A graduate of Hunter College with a degree in Creative Writing and Psychology, Carleigh has contributed to major outlets including MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, PureWow, Forbes, Bustle, The Everygirl, The Zoe Report, and Yahoo Life. She also works directly with brands, crafting copy for email, web, social media, and more. You can connect with Carleigh on Instagram (@mostlydating), the Mostly Dating Podcast, and on her website. About your host: Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun! As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage. Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self. His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.
Lea Sakran|Multilingual voiceover artist, narrator & writerStorytelling has always inspired me to look at situations from different angles and create with my fantasy wishful developments and outcomes in life. Storytelling is an empowering way to perceive life stories from different perspectives, develop an understanding, and transmute thoughts and ideas into messages connected with the soul of planet Earth. I am the author and narrator of the humorous fantasy stories of the two rhinos “Gusta and Gusto,” published by Spoken Realms and Blackstone Publishing in March this year, available globally and on Audible. The two rhinos encounter humanized emotions living through timeless issues: how to live a meaningful life, stand up for yourself, learn about friendship, transmute your mindset, and train your belief system of choice and the courage of empowerment. The second audiobook of “Gusta and Gusto with Commentary” will be published at the beginning of December this year. My daughter and I will talk as interludes between the stories about the happenings in the 12 chapters and share our thoughts and views there. “Gusta and Gusto” is a core possibility to connect hearts and generations. My Voiceover journey started 25 years ago with my passion for writing, theatre, and film. I could apply and develop my skills in music, acting, dance, dramaturgy, and directing, and I have been active in state playhouses, the opera, and the independent scenes. Additionally, for seven years, I gave courses in “Creative Writing.” While developing my audiobook “Gusta and Gusto,” besides my desire for writing, I discovered my passion for narration and voice acting.Links:https://www.amazon.de/Audible-Gusta-Gusto/dp/B0C29YLST4https://www.leasakran.com/Adventure,Audiobooks,Behavioral Change,Creative Writing,Empowering,Humor,Narrator,Personal Development,Storytelling,Voice Acting,Lea Sakran|Multilingual voiceover artist, narrator & writer,Phantom Electric Ghost Podcat,Podcast,Podmatch,InterviewSupport PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rssSubstackhttps://substack.com/@phantomelectricghost?utm_source=edit-profile-page
Legendary Seth Godin, bestselling author of Linchpin, Purple Cow, The Dip, Tribes, and The Practice on wrestling with creative resistance, getting past self-doubt, and how to build a resilient creative practice that thrives—even in an age of AIWe talk about:Why writing isn't about talent—but about creating the conditions for skillWhy “Do you like it?” is the wrong question to askAnd how to build a resilient creative practice that thrives—even in an age of AIHow to keep going when there's no map and no promise of success*About Seth GodinSeth Godin is the author of 21 bestselling books that have reshaped the way people think about marketing, leadership, and creative work. His books have been translated into 39 languages and include Linchpin, Purple Cow, The Dip, Tribes, and The Practice. He's also the founder of altMBA, the Carbon Almanac, and multiple pioneering ventures in the online business world. Seth writes one of the most popular blogs in the world and continues to inspire millions of creators to make and ship work that matters.*Resources and Links:
This month we are featuring a feed drop from Ain't Slayed Nobody one of the amazing shows on the RQ Network. AINT SLAYED NOBODY is a Gold Ennie winning actual play podcast with this first episode being from their first season set in the American Old West. The production blends tabletop roleplaying and audio drama with fast pacing and immersive sound design. The posse begins their quest in grand Old Western tradition: with a hanging. Bullets begin to fly as a shady priest, a rough and tumble miner, a suave former outlaw, and an earnest hobo join vengeful Deputy Sheriff Ellie Bishop on the Canutillo Railroad Bridge. Little does this ragtag posse know of the cosmic horrors that are about to unfold. Introduction and outro by Anusia Battersby. Listen to Ain't Slayed Nobody wherever you find podcasts, on the Rusty Quill website and at www.aintslayednobody.com. Credits: cuppycup as Keeper of Arcane Lore Jay Arnold as Lance Kilkenny Wes Davis as Jeremiah Fensworth Chuck Lawrence as Johnny Rhodes Alex McDaniel as Ellie Bishop Brandon Wainerdi as Father Flint Westwater Production and Creative Writing and Production: cuppycup Game Rules and Setting: Call of Cthulhu 7e, Down Darker Trails by Chaosium, Inc. Theme Song: “Dead Man Walking” by Cody Fry Content warnings: Explicit violence, Execution by hanging, Firearm violence, Blood and Gore, Profanity Transcript: https://www.aintslayednobody.com/s/ASN-E01-An-Occurrence-at-Canutillo-Bridge.txt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
Bestselling, award-winning author, and founder of the LA Review of Books, Tom Lutz, returned to talk with me about life in the French countryside, his writer's residency, and the greatest year in literary history, 1925. He's a Professor Emeritus of Creative Writing at UC Riverside, and the author of multiple bestselling and award-winning titles – translated into dozens of languages – including Doing Nothing (American Book Award winner), Crying, American Nervousness, 1903 (both New York Times Notables), and Born Slippy, his first novel. His latest, 1925: A Literary Encyclopedia, is described as an “… exploration of one of the richest moments in our literary and cultural history .… an explosion of literary innovation, from the rise of modernist masterpieces like Mrs. Dalloway and The Great Gatsby to a boom in pulp fiction.” Besides founding the Los Angeles Review of Books, "... a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and disseminating ... engaging writing on every aspect of literature, culture, and the arts," Tom also founded The LARB Radio Hour, The LARB Quarterly Journal, The LARB/USC Publishing Workshop, and LARB Books. He and his wife now run a residency for writers and artists in St. Chamassy, in France's Dordogne region. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you're a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In Part Two of this file Tom Lutz and I discussed: Adjusting to the life of a country gentleman and all the great wines Why he cares less than ever about what people think of his work The legion of classic texts that came out of one of the most prolific years in history How 1925 birthed so much progress for American culture Why literature is the R&D wing of human enterprise, especially in 2025 And a lot more! Show Notes: 1925: A Literary Encyclopedia by Tom Lutz TomLutzWriter.com All things LARB French Presse - St.-Chamassy Writers' Residency: A quiet place to live and work in the French countryside. Tom Lutz's Amazon Author Page Tom Lutz on Facebook Tom Lutz on Instagram Tom Lutz on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some experts are calling loneliness an epidemic in Canada and throughout much of the world. Social isolation is a public health risk with consequences for individuals, communities and for our social systems. A multi-disciplinary panel, hosted at the University of British Columbia, examine loneliness from perspectives of men's and women's health, interpersonal relations, climate change and public policy. Guests in this episode:Dr. Kiffer Card is an assistant professor at Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Health Sciences. He was the moderator of the panel presentation, All the Lonely People: the Search for Belonging in an Uncertain World.Mandy Lee Catron is from the School of Creative Writing, at UBC.Dr. John Oliffe is a professor and Canada Research Chair in Men's Health Promotion at the School of Nursing, at UBC.Dr. Carrie Jenkins is a professor in the Department of Philosophy at UBC.Dr. Marina Adshade is an assistant professor of teaching at the Vancouver School of Economics, at UBC.