Podcasts about scriptwriting

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to creator-screenwriter Mike Makowsky about his limited TV series, Death by Lightning. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to writer-producer Aline Brosh McKenna about her latest film, The Devil Wears Prada 2. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

DC Comics dominated the April 2026 graphic novel sales charts. The Eisner Awards are under fire for a nominated book that includes the usage of AI. Writer Torunn Grønbekk has launched a new comic book scriptwriting tool.SUBSCRIBE ON RSS, APPLE, SPOTIFY, OR THE APP OF YOUR CHOICE. FOLLOW US ON BLUESKY, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, AND FACEBOOK. SUPPORT OUR SHOWS ON PATREON.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A listener asks whether some words are inherently funnier than others—and it opens the door to a deep dive on word choice, dialogue, and how to make jokes land harder. Brad and Dave break down why shorter, punchier words tend to win, how sound and rhythm affect comedy, and why you should always end on the funniest word. They also walk through their real-world writing process—cutting aggressively, reading dialogue out loud, and constantly swapping in better word choices. From there, the conversation expands into how to write strong dialogue (hint: it's not about realism—it's about impact), plus a list of pitfalls to avoid, including gimmicky accents, overstuffed word balloons, and writing that slows the reader down. They also revisit a past take on political cartoons (turns out, they're thriving on Reddit), talk about the return of Web 1.0 strategies like guest comics, and reinforce a core principle: own your platform and your audience. TODAY'S SHOW • Writing funny words: Why word choice makes or breaks a joke • Psychologist vs. psychiatrist — choosing the funnier word (it's "shrink") • How to edit your way to stronger, tighter dialogue • Dialogue pitfalls: accents, gimmicks, and readability traps • Political cartoons are thriving on Reddit (and what that means) • The return of Web 1.0 tactics: Guest comics and cross-promotion • Reclaiming your platform: Why websites still matter You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to writer-director Lee Cronin about his latest film, Lee Cronin's The Mummy. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Michael Lesslie about his latest film, Hamlet. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to writer-director BenDavid Grabinski about his latest film, Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Drew Goddard about his latest film, Project Hail Mary. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Alex Litvak about his latest film, They Will Kill You. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Vincent first captured listeners’ attention last week when he called in from Table Mountain following our conversation with Daily Maverick journalist Don Pinnock about his article “Rough sleepers: The mountain keeps us.” Speaking to Lester Kiewit, Vincent shared his perspective on life on the mountain, staying connected through media, and the challenges of living without formal shelter. Another listener, Paul from Kirstenhof, recognized his voice and shared that he had known Vincent years ago as an aspiring scriptwriter and social commentator. This morning, Vincent joins us in the studio to share his life story and give rare insight into life on Table Mountain. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk5See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most professionals struggle with video script writing because they start in the wrong place. They focus on content ideas instead of structure. They rely on ad-lib delivery instead of clear messaging. And when they use AI tools like ChatGPT, they expect the tool to do the thinking for them. In this episode, Chris Schwager breaks down why video script writing is the foundation of effective business video. You'll learn how structure drives clarity, why most companies overproduce educational videos, and how stories, demonstrations, and decision-driving content move prospects toward action. Chris also explains the real role of AI in video script writing and why tools like ChatGPT should support your thinking, not replace strategy. If you want video that builds trust, guides decisions, and wins clients, mastering video script writing is where it starts. Ready to stop winging it on video? Book a call and discover how the Complete Video Success System helps professionals show up like the expert they are. Book a Call Desktop Studio – Set up once. Create studio-quality videos with zero tech stress. Video Coaching – Group sessions via the Video Confidence Collective or 1on1 Accelerator Mentorship. Success Stories – See how others are building trust, leads, and authority on camera. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Colby Day about his latest film, In the Blink of an Eye. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Join David Heavener as he dives into the profound connections between Hollywood's illusions and spiritual realities. In this thought-provoking talk, Heavener explores how our lives can mirror the fabricated narratives of movies, challenging us to discern whether our life scripts are authored by divine guidance or worldly deception. Discover the parallels between the cinematic world and personal spiritual journeys, urging listeners to embrace a script of truth and redemption.

Join David Heavener as he dives into the profound connections between Hollywood's illusions and spiritual realities. In this thought-provoking talk, Heavener explores how our lives can mirror the fabricated narratives of movies, challenging us to discern whether our life scripts are authored by divine guidance or worldly deception. Discover the parallels between the cinematic world and personal spiritual journeys, urging listeners to embrace a script of truth and redemption.

Host Jeff Goldsmith interviews writers Clint Bentley, Robert Kaplow and Will Tracy about their Oscar® nominated screenplays. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Matthew Robinson about Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Hey horror fans!! This week writer and filmmaker Matthew Robinson joins us to talk about his new genre bending thriller Good Luck Have Fun Don't Die, a modern day Twilight Zone style story that mixes AI, tech obsession, and social chaos with sharp humor and unexpected twists. Matthew shares behind the scenes stories about writing for a stacked ensemble cast, working with actors like Haley Lu Richardson and Sam Rockwell, and what it was like seeing the script transform once a director like Gore Verbinski came on board. He also talks about his breakthrough film The Invention of Lying and how co-directing with Ricky Gervais helped launch his career.Before Matthew joins the conversation we cover the latest horror news including Mike Flanagan tackling Stephen Kings The Mist and of course finish with our Mostly Horror Recommendations of the Week.If you love wild stories, clever twists, and hearing how movies get made, this is for you sooo... COME HANG OUT!!! Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram & Threads: @mostlyhorrorpodTikTok & Twitter/X: @mostlyhorrorSteve: @stevenisaverage (all socials)Sean: @hypocrite.ink (IG/TikTok), @hypocriteink (Twitter/X)Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more horror fans like you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ABOUT THE EPISODE --In episode 266 of Reel Therapy, Dan and Don breakdown the freshman season of Vince Gilligan's hit Apple TV show, “Pluribus”. They answer questions like: Did the finale land hard enough to warrant view retention for a season two? Is the pacing capsizing the plot and how does that affect the mystery box aspect of the show? Watch or listen to the episode now to get those answers and MORE.TABLE OF CONTENTS --00:00:00 - About the Episode00:00:35 - Greetings00:01:04 - Pluribus - Season One Overview00:37:08 - Before We GoABOUT THE SHOW - Pluribus --The series follows author Carol Sturka, played by Seehorn, as the rest of humanity abruptly merges into a single hive mind eager to peacefully absorb Carol and the few others who remain immune. The title draws inspiration from e pluribus unum—Latin for “out of many, one.”FIND US --For everything Reel Therapy and 241 Studios, check out our website:LINK: https://www.241studios.com/Follow us on:Instagram: @reeltherapy_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reeltherapypodTikTok: @reeltherapy_pod

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-writer Eskil Vogt and co-writer/director Joachim Trier about Sentimental Value. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

(00:00:00) Developing a New Series, Indie Audio Drama Trends & More with Christopher Green (00:01:19) Audio Drama Updates (00:05:21) Discussion (So Here's What I'm Thinking) (01:11:18) Feedback Segment In our first episode of the new year, J.D. and ATC Contributor Christopher Green have a discussion about the challenges of developing a new audio drama show, some of the trends they're seeing in the industry currently, and some they'd like to see catch on more. They also share some talent to watch in the indie space, some of their favorite releases from 2025, and their most anticipated releases coming in 2026. J.D. also shares some audio drama updates and responds to feedback from Nate, Jonathan, and Austin. Full show notes at http://www.audiotheatrecentral.com/224Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/audio-theatre-central--2752762/support.What are your thoughts on the topics we addressed in this episode? Send us your feedback! We'd love to hear what you think! Email us at feedback@audiotheatrecentral.com or give us a call or text to 623-688-2770.Record our show credits for a future episode. Send us a recording of you reading the following and we'll use it in a future episode: Script: "Hi! This is [YOUR NAME] from [YOUR CITY AND/OR STATE]. Audio Theatre Central is a production of Porchlight Family Media. The theme music was composed by Sam Avendaño. The show is produced and edited by J.D. Sutter. Find the website at audiotheatrecentral.com."Email your recording to feedback@audiotheatrecentral.com.

Thomas Dean Donnelly has been a professional screenwriter for over 30 years. In that time he has written on major projects, from Voltron to Uncharted, and from Marvel's Doctor Strange to The Walking Dead. During the Hollywood writers strike he wrote his first novel: YEAR OF THE RABBIT and just release its sequel YEAR OF THE HORSE, both spy thrillers. T.D. Donnelly joins us to share practices he has used in his writing to build memorable characters and stories for the screen.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes December 26, 2025 Episode #325 R.I.P. Rob and Michele Reiner ~*~ This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com With Co-Host Christopher Stires GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS   SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! Tips, Tricks, Essays on Writing ~*~ CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process of putting a script together easier. This book is one of those tools. Thirty years of professional writing experience has gone into making the writing of a script direct and simpler. Professional writer and writing teacher Mark Sevi presents a step-by-step way to get started and finish your script. On Amazon, Ebook or Paperback _______________________________________________________________________ A Scriptwriting Manual for All Writers! On AMAZON SHOW DETAILS 00:00:00 INTRO Podcast theme music by Mark Sevi, Interstitial Music by Joel Fazhari from Pixabay 00:00:00 ROB REINER Seminars and Classes 00:06:00 WHAT ARE WE WATCHING?… Read the rest

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes December 12, 2025 Episode #324 This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com MERRY CHRISTMAS! GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process of putting a script together easier. This book is one of those tools. Thirty years of professional writing experience has gone into making the writing of a script direct and simpler. Professional writer and writing teacher Mark Sevi presents a step-by-step way to get started and finish your script. On Amazon, Ebook or Paperback =============_______________________________________________________________________ A Scriptwriting Manual for All Writers! On AMAZON SHOW DETAILS 00:00:00 INTRO Podcast theme music by Mark Sevi, Interstitial Music by Joel Fazhari from Pixabay 00:00:00 USELESS CHATTER!… Read the rest

Welcome back to the Wildly Wealthy Woman Podcast! Today's episode is inspired by a wild weekend of content creation in Banff with my creative director, Stephanie from West Rose Media. If you listened to last week's episode, you know I was hit with a stomach flu and wasn't even sure I'd make it — but one tapping session later, my body reset, I rallied, and in just a few hours we created months of content. It reminded me of a powerful truth:With the right skills and the right people around you, growth becomes inevitable. So today, I'm breaking down the top four investments that changed my business and my life — the exact four I believe every woman should step into in 2026. 1. Tapping – The Skill That Started It All Tapping helped me regulate my nervous system, find my voice, and heal while growing. But more importantly, it was the first duplicatable skill that allowed me to help others get real results. It booked me onto stages.It brought clients into my world.It became the foundation of a 7-figure brand. Whether you want tapping for your own personal growth or to help clients transform… the ROI is undeniable. 2. Learning Money & Mapping My Income with Megan Hale One conversation with Megan changed everything. She helped me see: How to set Good / Better / Best financial goals How to build an offer that could carry my entire year How to stabilize my income as a single mom How to stop feeling like money was unpredictable This is where Tapping School was born. This is where I finally felt supported by a money plan instead of overwhelmed by it. 3. Investing in High-Quality Content & Branding This was the skill that took me from “tapping practitioner” to leader with a magnetic brand. Branding isn't a logo.It's not a website.It's not a one-time photoshoot. Branding is how your clients feel when they see you. It's your story.Your identity.Your evolution.Your consistency. Once I adopted the mindset of “I am a content creator”, everything changed: My $30K clients came in Stages opened Podcast invites rolled in My visibility skyrocketed And yes — great branding truly pays for itself again and again and again. 4. Getting Into the Right Rooms Referrals → collaborations → speaking opportunities → momentum. One room can collapse your timeline faster than a year of posting alone. Being in proximity to leaders who are playing bigger expands your belief, sharpens your skills, and puts you on the radar of people who can open doors you didn't even know existed. Every single “big break” moment in my business came from a room I said yes to before I felt ready. The Common Thread: I Wasn't Ready — But I Said Yes Anyway Every single investment felt scary. I didn't feel ready.I questioned the timing.I questioned the money.I questioned myself. But here's what I've learned: You rarely feel ready for the investments that change your life.You only feel grateful afterwards. The Content & Tapping Mastermind + Retreat (2026 Enrollment Open!) These four investments — tapping, money, content, and the right rooms — are exactly why I created this six-month mastermind & retreat experience. Inside, you get: ✨ A full in-person content, tapping, and branding weekend (choose Feb, June, or Oct)✨ Weekly tapping + content strategy calls with me & Stephanie✨ Script writing & content planning support✨ A full creative team to elevate your visual identity✨ Community, visibility, referrals & collaborations✨ A room full of women rising together Whether you're ready to be more visible, step into a higher leadership identity, or finally be seen as the woman in your industry — this experience was built for you. Holiday Special:Get started with a $500 deposit, and your payments don't begin until the new year.

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes November 28, 2025 Episode #322 This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com With Co-Host Christopher Stires GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS   SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process of putting a script together easier. This book is one of those tools. Thirty years of professional writing experience has gone into making the writing of a script direct and simpler. Professional writer and writing teacher Mark Sevi presents a step-by-step way to get started and finish your script. On Amazon, Ebook or Paperback

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to playwright/co-screenwriter Winnie Holzman and co-screenwriter Dana Fox about their new film, Wicked: For Good. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-writer/director Dan Trachtenberg about his new film, Predator: Badlands. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes November 14, 2025 Episode #322 This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com With Co-Host Christopher Stires GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS   SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process of putting a script together easier. This book is one of those tools. Thirty years of professional writing experience has gone into making the writing of a script direct and simpler. Professional writer and writing teacher Mark Sevi presents a step-by-step way to get started and finish your script. On Amazon, Ebook or Paperback

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-writer/director Edgar Wright and co-writer Michael Bacall about their new film, The Running Man. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes October 31, 2025 Episode #321 This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com With Co-Host Christopher Stires GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS   SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process of putting a script together easier. This book is one of those tools. Thirty years of professional writing experience has gone into making the writing of a script direct and simpler. Professional writer and writing teacher Mark Sevi presents a step-by-step way to get started and finish your script. On Amazon, Ebook or Paperback

Is this a solution to "script writing" in the NFL? And, is this the ultimate bachelor party trip? Download the latest episode of Cash the Ticket today. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes October 17, 2025 Episode #320 This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com With Co-Host Rich D'Alessio GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS RIP Diane Keaton SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process of putting a script together easier. This book is one of those tools. Thirty years of professional writing experience has gone into making the writing of a script direct and simpler. Professional writer and writing teacher Mark Sevi presents a step-by-step way to get started and finish your script.

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes October 03, 2025 Episode #319 This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com With Co-Host Chris Stires GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS RIP Robert Redford   SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully,

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes September 05, 2025 Episode #317++ This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com With Co-Host Chris Stires GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process of putting a script together easier. This book is one of those tools. Thirty years of professional writing experience has gone into making the writing of a script direct and simpler. Professional writer and writing teacher Mark Sevi presents a step-by-step way to get started and finish your script. On Amazon, Ebook or Paperback

SCRIPTWRITING TALK AND MORE! Welcome To Plotpoints Podcast! Mark Sevi Show Notes September 05, 2025 Episode #317++ This is Plotpoints Podcast! www.plotpoints.com With Co-Host Chris Stires GO HERE FOR INFO ON SCRIPTWRITING CLASSES and SEMINARS SHAMELESS PROMOS: Final Draft – Articles by Mark Sevi for Final Draft and JUST RELEASED! CURIOUS? CONFUSED? CONFOUNDED? Scriptwriting can be all that and more. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process of putting a script together easier. This book is one of those tools. Thirty years of professional writing experience has gone into making the writing of a script direct and simpler. Professional writer and writing teacher Mark Sevi presents a step-by-step way to get started and finish your script. On Amazon, Ebook or Paperback

Silence is costing your practice more than you think. Every time you put a patient on hold and they hear nothing but dead air—or worse, that same generic tune on repeat—you're missing out on a chance to build trust, educate, and even grow your practice. In this episode, we uncover why silence is expensive and how your on-hold message can become one of the most overlooked marketing tools in dentistry. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, I sit down with John Waller, “The On Hold Guy,” who has been serving the dental industry for over 30 years. Together, we explore how customized on-hold messaging can transform patient experience, strengthen your brand, and increase ROI—all for just a few dollars a day. If you've ever wondered whether patients are tuning out during those long hold times, or how you can turn wasted moments into opportunities, this conversation will show you the way. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The true cost of silence: Why patients hang up when they hear nothing (and how to prevent it). The anatomy of a great on-hold message: From doctor credentials to services, reviews, and even staff shout-outs. Technology made simple: Whether your office runs on VoIP or still uses landlines, implementation is easier than you think. Best practices you should be using: From alternating voice talents to updating scripts quarterly for fresh impact. How on-hold messages boost ROI: Simple tracking methods and patient feedback that prove the value. Creative content ideas: From dental trivia to highlighting employee-of-the-month, keeping patients engaged and connected. — Key Takeaways 00:39 Introduction and Event Announcement 03:20 The Importance of On-Hold Messaging 04:25 Creating Effective On-Hold Messages 07:00 Implementation and Compatibility of On-Hold Systems 08:28 The Role of Patient Education 10:15 Voice Personalization in On-Hold Messages 12:20 Script Writing and Customization 14:23 Best Practices for On-Hold Messaging 19:25 Content Suggestions for On-Hold Messages 22:58 Measuring ROI from On-Hold Messaging 25:10 Trial Period and Getting Started 26:07 Referral Program and Networking 26:49 Lightning Round Q&A 32:05 Conclusion and Contact Information — Connect with John If you'd like to learn more about how The On Hold Experience can help your practice transform silence into a patient education and marketing tool, reach out to John directly: Call/Text: 208-546-8330 Email: theonholdguy@gmail.com Try the 45-Day Free Test Drive — no long-term commitment, just $59/month after. John is easy to reach, quick to respond, and passionate about helping dental practices make every patient interaction count—even the ones spent on hold. — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to showrunner-writer Craig Mazin and editor Timothy A. Good about their Emmy® nominated TV show - The Last of Us. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to creator, showrunner and writer Tony Gilroy and writer Dan Gilroy about their Emmy nominated TV show - Andor. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to showrunner, creator and writer Lauren LeFranc about her Emmy nominated TV show - The Penguin. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-creator, co-showrunner and writer Kim Rosenstock about her Emmy nominated TV show - Dying for Sex. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Master the art of thinking on your feet and turning unpredictability into powerful communication.Being quick on your feet isn't just a performance skill — it's a communication necessity. And for Peter Sagal, longtime host of NPR's Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me, it's a craft he's honed over more than two decades in front of a live audience. In this expanded conversation from our Spontaneous Speaking series, Sagal shares what it really takes to communicate with presence, flexibility, and confidence when the script goes out the window.“My job was no longer to be funny — my job was to make funny possible,” Sagal explains, reflecting on the shift from performer to facilitator. He opens up about how structure and ritual prepare him to embrace chaos, why listening matters more than cleverness, and how he defines success not by what he says, but by what others are able to say because of him. “Preparation is key,” he notes, “but being willing to let go of that preparation and follow what's happening in the moment is really important.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sagal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to navigate speaking on the spot—whether you're managing meetings, leading teams, or handling high-stakes conversations—and offer a powerful reminder: the best spontaneous communicators don't control the moment—they connect through it.Episode Reference Links:Peter D Sagal Ep.197 Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3)Ep.198 Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3)Ep.199 Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3)Ep.203 No Script, No Problem: Final Secrets to Speaking Under Pressure (Bonus)   Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:02) - Making Funny Possible (04:11) - Ditching the Script (07:26) - Pre-Show Rituals (09:41) - How to Introduce People Well (12:44) - Being Funny in the Moment (14:38) - Staying Present On Stage (16:58) - Gracious Communication (21:23) - The Final Three Questions (24:59) - Conclusion   ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.     

Lindsey dives into what scripted comedy development actually means and shares some behind-the-scenes stories—complete with a few *wink wink* big Hollywood names. But don't worry, we won't name-drop too much (“Ted Lasso,” ... “Abbott Elementary,” ... “Running Point”), as we want you to actually enjoy the episode, not just make a watchlist!Lindsey also shares how Tri Delta helped her grow—learning to connect with new people, building confidence and gaining a skillset that turned out to be the perfect warm-up for life in the entertainment world.She talks about her path, involving herself in a little bit of everything creative, from acting to scriptwriting and, yes, maybe even a book in the works—but don't hold her to that just yet. If you love TV and storytelling or just want to hear about how a driven and determined Tri Delta made her way from Arizona to Florida to Los Angeles, you're in the right place!

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-writer Erik Jendresen and writer-director Christopher McQuarrie about Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to actor Jason Isaacs about Season 3 of White Lotus. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to actor Dichen Lachman about Season 2 of Severance. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to creator-writer Charlie Brooker about Season 7 of Black Mirror. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to Producers Craig Perry and Sheila Hanahan Taylor + co-writers Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor about Final Destination: Bloodlines. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to creator-writer-showrunner Tony Gilroy about all of Andor Season 2. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Tom Bissell about Andor S2, episodes 10-12. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Want to write a great screenplay? Little Miss Sunshine writer Michael Arndt shares secrets from Pixar, Hollywood, and a decade of script doctoring! What We Discuss with Michael Arndt: Success in screenwriting often requires extreme persistence and resilience — Michael Arndt wrote 10 screenplays over 10 years before selling Little Miss Sunshine, and even then did about 100 drafts of that script before it was ready. The best stories often create a "tilted universe" where the protagonist is a response to or antidote to the negative values of their world (like Robin Hood emerging in response to an unjust system, or The Dude's laid-back nature contrasting with an aggressive world in The Big Lebowski). Audience feedback is crucial but challenging to balance — as Michael quotes Billy Wilder: "Individually they're idiots, but collectively they're a genius." You have to respect audience intelligence while still maintaining your creative vision. Great endings often work by creating a false binary (win/lose) and then revealing a surprising third option that exceeds audience expectations — like in Little Miss Sunshine where Olive neither wins nor loses but creates something entirely unexpected. Anyone can improve their storytelling by studying great stories and breaking them down systematically — Michael's own journey shows that storytelling is a craft that can be learned through careful analysis, practice, and continual refinement of understanding how stories work. His video essays on screenwriting (available on YouTube) offer concrete tools for developing these skills. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1077 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!