Person who uses written words to communicate ideas and to produce works of literature
POPULARITY
Categories
This week had some sad news as we learned that Len Deighton passed away at the age of 97. He’s a huge part of how we think of modern espionage fiction and many of his works will stand the test of time. This seemed like a good moment to remember a singular moment in spy […]
Jen and Sarah are joined by Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh, the writers and directors of the Academy Award-winning short film ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva.' They share about their passion for film, the origins of this powerful story, and the process of bringing this short film to life. You can watch Two People Exchanging Saliva in The New Yorker's Screening Room or on YouTube. Learn more about the film, including behind-the-scenes footage, on their website and on Instagram @two_people_exchanging_saliva. Remember to leave a rating and review of this episode. Connect with Movies & Us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky @moviesanduspod or by email at moviesanduspod@gmail.com. Check out andusmedia.co for the latest on Movies & Us and TV & Us. And subscribe to Movies & Us on YouTube for full video episodes and more. Join the & Us Living Room for early access to ad-free episodes, exclusive bonus content, and more! Movies & Us is part of the Movie Archer Podcast Network. Learn more at moviearcher.com.
Joining me for this episode is author-illustrator Kristine A. Lombardi. We have a chat about her latest children's book, Crouton. Crouton was inspired by Boo, the sweet shelter cat who adopted Kristine. Learn more about what it takes to not only write but also illustrate a wonderful and successful book for children. Enjoy!EPISODE NOTES: Kristine A. Lombardi - CroutonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animal-writes-animal-writers-and-best-selling-authors-pets-animals--6666984/support.
The queens kindly request your presence for some piping hot tea as they recap the AWP Conference in Baltimore. Please Support Breaking Form!Review the show on Apple Podcasts here.Aaron's STOP LYING is available from the Pitt Poetry Series. And BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE is available from Bridwell Press. James's ROMANTIC COMEDY is available from Four Way Books. Show Notes:James posted some AWP tips on Facebook here. For the curious, AWP has posted its "Community Participation in #AWP26 Conference & Bookfair" stats here.The journals mentioned on the "Editing for Change and Community" panel were:Small Orange edited by Carlie Hoffman. Carlie's poems were included in our Breaking Form episode "The Hof[f]man[n]s" which you can listen to here.Georgia Review edited by Gerald Maa. Brink edited by Nina Lohman Hopkins Review edited by Dora MalechCherry Tree: A National Literary Journal at Washington College, by James. AWP has said it will post the video of John Waters's keynote address for conference registrants to view, but we can't find it yet. But if you're curious, here's a written recap of the event by Baltimore Fishbowl.You can find The Adroit Journal online at https://theadroitjournal.org. They're open for submissions currently (til April 1, 2026). They are a paying market.
In Hot to Go we continue our reaction to the Oscars. Winners, Losers, Writers and Conan. We play TalkAbout and Pizza Hut has a new position that you can apply for to eat pizza crust all day. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
From Sony's dynamic pricing drama to Xbox's Project Helix and a heated console‑war showdown, The Game Deflators tackle the week's biggest gaming battles. This week on The Game Deflators, John and Ryan bring a mix of pickups, industry news, rumors, and retro gaming heat. The episode kicks off with recent game pickups and collectible finds, including some unexpected retro scores and additions to the shelf. From there, the guys dive into their current gaming sessions, sharing progress updates and the titles that have been dominating their playtime. The conversation shifts into Lego and gaming crossovers, including the newly surfaced Mario miniature and the rumored Lego PlayStation 1 set that has collectors buzzing. Whether it's legit or just another internet fever dream, the guys break down why this rumor has so much traction. Next, the crew turns to Microsoft's next‑generation Xbox initiative, Project Helix. Rather than dissecting technical specs, John and Ryan focus on the broader implications — how Helix fits into Microsoft's evolving ecosystem strategy, what it signals for the future of Xbox hardware, and why the industry is paying close attention. That naturally leads into a spirited discussion on the Console Wars, comparing the shifting dynamics between Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam. With each platform carving out a different identity, the guys explore where the competition is heating up and where the lines are starting to blur. The episode then pivots to Sony's newly uncovered dynamic pricing tests, where PlayStation Store users across multiple regions are seeing different prices for the same games. The hosts unpack what this A/B testing could mean for digital storefronts, consumer trust, and the future of game pricing. Finally, the Inflation Deflation Challenge returns with a look at Cool Spot, the 7UP mascot platformer that's equal parts nostalgia and oddity. John and Ryan revisit the game's charm, gameplay, and current market value to determine whether this retro collectible is inflating or deflating in today's market. 00:00 Intro 02:28 Recent Game Pickups and Collectibles 12:11 Current Gaming Sessions and Progress 17:52 Lego and Gaming Updates: Mario Miniature and LEgo PS1 27:15 Microsoft's Next Generation Xbox Insights 30:09 The Console Wars: Xbox vs. PlayStation vs. Steam 35:24 Sony Dynamic Pricing in Gaming: A New Approach 49:35 Inflation Deflation Challenge: Cool Spot Review Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18
1. The Founding Mothers and Augustan Propaganda(1)Guest author Emma Southon notes that historians like Livy wrote during the reign of Augustus to reshape early Roman history to justify the return to monarchy. These writers aimed to portray Rome as the most virtuous and god-beloved nation. A primary narrative involves the Sabine women, who were kidnapped to populate the new city. Led by Hersilia, these women eventually intervened in a battle, acting as the "glue" that turned a war between enemies into a family conflict. Southon contrasts the virtuous Hersilia with Tarpeia, a "bad" woman who betrayed Rome for luxury. (2)
Send a textToday's show will be especially helpful for you writers out there, or if you are curious to see what makes a full-time thriller author tick. On the show today, we have award-winning and bestselling author Nick Petrie, who just released his 9th book in the Peter Ash series, The Dark Time.His first novel, The Drifter, won the ITW Thriller and Barry Awards and was nominated for Edgar, Anthony, and Hammett Awards. He won the 2016 Literary Award from the Wisconsin Library Association and was named one of Apple's 10 Writers to Read in 2017. Apple Books named Light It Up the Best Thriller of 2018. Both Light It Up and The Wild One were shortlisted for the Barry Award.Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher novels, said. “Lots of characters get compared to my own Jack Reacher, but Petrie's Peter Ash is the real deal.”Nick is the quindecennial blue-collar author. He has an impeccable work ethic forged with years of working as a carpenter and other trades, which has paved his way to becoming a full-time, bestselling author. Please enjoy my conversation with one of the nicest guys I know in the business, Nick Petrie. In today's episode, we discuss:· What has changed in the publishing business in the last two years since he released his last book? Luck finds people who show up for work every day. · Artificial Intelligence and the publishing business.· Best marketing practices for authors.· How his former professions and life experiences have helped him in his writing career.· Pros and cons of writing in a series.· His advice for new or newer authors looking to break through. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Visit Nick's website to learn more about him and his books.Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!My first week as a rookie cop, I had to decide whether to pull the trigger on a man running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That was my introduction to policing in Milwaukee.From Wall Street Journal-featured author Patrick O'Donnell comes a memoir of rookie years on Milwaukee's streets.Support the show
We're delighted to introduce Spade Robinson, a talented filmmaker, screenwriter, and story consultant. She runs the Atlanta Film Project, a consulting firm dedicated to helping storytellers polish their scripts and projects. Currently, Spade is working on her debut feature film, 'Late Bloomers,' set against the beautiful backdrop of the American Heartland.In our chat, we explore what a story consultant does, how Spade encourages hesitant writers to be honest and dig deeper for stronger screenplays, and she shares five of her best screenwriting tips. She also talks about her favorite clients—including housewives who are passionate screenwriters—how to handle rejection with resilience, and the step she believes offers the most democratic way for a writer to change their life. Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller
Jo and Charlotte turn their attention to Nobel Laureate Kenzaburo Oe's mindblowing A Personal Matter and Troubled Lands: Stories of Mexico and Cuba, a collection translated by Langston Hughes, before they're joined by Gothic-literature-loving writer-of-all-modes Nicholas Russell, who puts the spotlight on Algernon Blackwood's unsettling preoccupation with mysterious forces in the natural world. Nicholas Russell is a writer and critic from Las Vegas. His work has been featured in McSweeney's, The Baffler, Conjunctions, The Nation, and Orion, among other publications. He's a long-time bookseller, a contributing writer at Defector, and managing editor at Still Alive magazine. His debut novel Observer will be published by Ecco at HarperCollins on September 15th. Please consider supporting our work on Patreon, where you can access additional materials and send us your guest and book coverage requests! Books discussed on all seasons of the podcast are aggregated here on Bookshop. Questions and comments can be directed to readingwriterspod at gmail dot com. Outro music by Marty Sulkow and Joe Valle.Charlotte Shane's most recent book is An Honest Woman. Her essay newsletter, Meant For You, can be subscribed to or read online for free, and her social media handle is @charoshane. Jo Livingstone is a writer who teaches at Pratt Institute. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Molly Crabapple is an artist and writer. She is the co-author of Brothers of the Gun, an illustrated collaboration with Syrian war journalist Marwan Hisham, which was a NY Times Notable Book. Her memoir, Drawing Blood, received global praise and attention. Her animated films have won two Emmys and an Edward R. Murrow Award. Molly's reportage has been published in the New York Times, New York Review of Books, The Paris Review, Vanity Fair, The Guardian, The New Yorker and Rolling Stone. She was the 2019 artist-in-residence at NYU's Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies in 2019, a New America fellow in 2020, and the winner of the Bernhardt Labor Journalism Award in 2022. In 2023, she was a fellow at the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library.Molly's third book, Here Where We Live is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund, will be released by One World/Random House in April 2026. Please PRE-ORDER if you'd like to support her work and artistry!Molly websiteLeah website
Rachell Howzell Hall is the NYT, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of 16 novels. The novel discussed in this interview was Fog and Fury. Her bio says she also writes Romantasy, something Fog and Fury—an intense thriller—is not. And with the fact that she does write romantasy, it allowed discussing questions not previously, asked including the difference between writing thrillers and romantasy.
Recently, Tom took time to chat with Reid on the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast about his 50 years at Orvis. If you're interested in hunting, shooting, or the great outdoors in general, consider subscribing to Reid's show, too! (Crosspost from the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast) "Tom Rosenbauer, longtime Orvis employee, writer, and host of the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast, joins Reid for a wide-ranging conversation about his nearly 50 years with the company. They talk about the early days at Orvis, the great outdoor writers who shaped the culture around Manchester, Vermont, and how a lifelong fly fisherman found his way, occasionally, behind a shotgun. Along the way Tom shares stories, history, and a perspective on the outdoors that few people still carry."
In this week's News Roundup, Bridget and Producer Joey cover the tech news stories you might have missed. Do Normies Have The Right to Read Heated Rivalry Fanfic: https://www.gq.com/story/heated-rivalry-fanfic-privacy A writer is suing Grammarly for turning her and other authors into ‘AI editors’ without consent: https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/12/a-writer-is-suing-grammarly-for-turning-her-and-other-authors-into-ai-editors-without-consent/ He Tried to Stop Adobe From Training its AI on His Photo Library – He Lost: https://petapixel.com/2026/03/11/he-tried-to-stop-adobe-from-training-its-ai-on-his-photo-library-he-lost/ Viral 'Quittr' Porn Addiction App Exposed the Masturbation Habits of Hundreds of Thousands of Users: https://www.404media.co/viral-quittr-porn-addiction-app-exposed-the-masturbation-habits-of-hundreds-of-thousands-of-users/ Panic World’s episode on the NoFap movement: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qXJNaFl2dIzwXC9h8no4p Uber’s women-only option goes nationwide in the US: https://apnews.com/article/uber-women-safety-9c974f92dfd7fb25d504d173b2429d06 Listen to Alison Turkos on TANGOTI: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/she-was-sexually-assaulted-during-a-lyft-ride-now/id1520715907?i=1000555658403 Buffer Report: Declines in Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads Engagement: https://www.globaldatinginsights.com/featured/buffer-report-declines-in-instagram-linkedin-threads-engagement/ Let us know what you think about these stories by emailing hello@tangoti.com or leaving a comment on Spotify! Pre-order our forthcoming audiobook about AI and intimate relationships at LoveAtFirstPrompt.com ! Follow Bridget and TANGOTI on social media! || instagram.com/bridgetmarieindc/ || tiktok.com/@bridgetmarieindc || youtube.com/@ThereAreNoGirlsOnTheInternet || bsky.app/profile/tangoti.bsky.socialSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dang, y'all! This week, friend of the show Brandon Christensen sits down to talk all things 'Bodycam' with us. As of today, March 13th, you can stream it now, exclusively on Shudder. Want more? Join the Frightday Society at http://thefrighdaysociety.org As a Society Member, you'll have access to all Screamium content (Behind the Screams, It's Been a Weird Week, A Conversation With..., Toast to Toast PM with Wine Kelly, Cinema Autopsy, the Writers' Room, bonus episodes of Captain Kelly's Cryptids & Conspiracies, Byron's Serial Corner, and so much more! You'll also be part of our interactive community dedicated to the advancement of horror, hauntings, cryptids, conspiracies, aliens, and true crime. All things frightening. Keep our mini-fridges full of blood...I mean...not blood...normal things that people drink...by going to http://shop.frightday.com Theme music by Yawns Produced by Byron McKoy Follow us in the shadows at the following places: @byronmckoy @kellyfrightday @frightday This is an Audio Wool Original.
On today's program, 22 plaintiffs who say they were abused at a Christian children's homes in Romania are suing Harvest Christian Fellowship—who sponsored the children's homes—and its famous pastor, Greg Laurie, claiming the church knew about the abuse and could have stopped it. Plus, are Donor Advised Funds right for you—things you should consider before choosing. And, a businessman is looking to donate a historic college campus to a ministry focused on “spiritual revival of our Christian faith.” Also, Beth Moore will be ending her popular Living Proof events in 2027. But first, a Virginia judge has ruled that a discrimination lawsuit against Liberty University can move forward. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Fredrick Nzwili, Bob Smietana, and Jessica Eturralde. Until next time, may God bless you.
This week Jenn Collignon returns! She joins Erin M. Evans and Treavor Bettis to answer questions about Brick Walls, Chronic Illness, and Types of Writers.Join our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Starring:Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angels)https://bsky.app/profile/erinmevans.bsky.social Jenn Collignon (A Little Luck, A Second Story)https://linktr.ee/jennsbookshelf_?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6a71ed30-f9c4-4109-8917-08dc86b1a601 Treavor Bettis (Difficulty Class, Champions of Lore)https://bsky.app/profile/thetreavor.bsky.social Join the Discord!https://discord.gg/MdSVsfpTzu Buy Relics of Ruin!Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Relics-Ruin-Books-Usurper-2/dp/031644104X Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relics-of-ruin-erin-m-evans/1143299833?ean=9780316441049
Send a text"Not good enough” isn't who you are—it's a learned pattern from your past.Brad Yates explains how EFT Tapping helps you break free.In this episode of the Tap Into Your Best Life EFT Series, I sit down with EFT Tapping expert Brad Yates to explore one of the most common and painful inner blocks we all face: unworthiness.This is not a guided tapping session. It's an honest, insightful conversation about why tapping works—and how it helps release the emotional patterns that keep us playing small.Brad says it's the number one issue he sees over and over again in his 25+ years of tapping work—and it may surprise you.We explore:• Why unworthiness sits beneath most resistance• The Michelangelo “marble” metaphor for transformation• How stress blocks change• What happened when Brad received 300 nasty negative comments—and why he kept going• Why the world needs EFT tapping more than ever (or, as Brad says, why he suggests we first tap on peace within ourselves)Hear Brad's personal philosophy, his experience working with thousands of clients, and why addressing the worthiness block can be transformational.He also reveals his daily morning routine (which includes tapping!) and how he makes his videos for his popular YT channel @tapwithbrad.Brad Yates is one of the featured voices in the new global co-authored book, Tap Into Your Best Life: EFT Tapping Stories of Real-Life Transformation and Healing. He features alongside 30 powerful practitioners from around the world sharing tapping breakthroughs.You can learn more about the book below.If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it.Transformation begins when we stop being silent. And claim our right (and worthiness) to be seen and heard.— Caryl WestmoreLead Editor & Publisher, Best Life Publishing
Send a textEver feel like the words have run dry, but the calling to write hasn't? You're not alone. Up to 85% of writers face the struggle. We dive into the core question: What role does faith play when creativity dries up? In this episode, you'll discover practical, faith-based strategies to break through the block and build a sustainable creative rhythm. We reframe writer's block as not proof of failure or God's silence, but often an invitation to deepen and rest. Question: If this season isn't punishment… what might it be preparation for? Sprint Prompt: beam, profile, sensitive, random, convertSupport this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431Join Our Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp
Breaking Shame: The Villain's Favorite, The Hero's Way OutShame can destroy stories—and characters—if writers let it dominate the narrative. In this episode of The Storyteller's Mission, Zena Dell Lowe dives into why shame is the villain's favorite weapon and how heroes must break its hold. Learn how shame impacts character arcs, storytelling structure, and audience engagement, and discover the difference between shame and conviction in redemptive storytelling.From coercion to clarity, we explore:-Why writers are tempted to use shame-How shame freezes character arcs and collapses moral nuance-The distinction between shame and conviction-How heroes preserve dignity, see complexity, & confront evil without becoming it-A deep dive into the climax of About Schmidt and how it demonstrates redemptive storytellingIf you want to write stories with moral clarity, avoid turning your narrative into propaganda, and create arcs where shame loses its power, this episode is a must-watch.Watch this episode on YouTubeWatch Ep06 first (optional for added context)Free Resources for Writers:Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingSign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.
EP 24 - Lessons from a Creative Life | Kate Murdoch | Australian Artist and WriterAustralian artist-turned-novelist Kate Murdoch joins Nicole to unpack what a lifetime of creativity really looks like—spanning gallery walls, award-winning historical fiction, international residencies, and the daily rituals that keep her inspired. Together, they explore the power of early mentors, the discipline behind "play," and why beauty and refuge still matter in a hyper-digital world.
What's the difference between Young Adult and New Adult fiction? We explore the life stages, voice, and themes that define each genre, plus publishing news on AI copyright, contracts, and book bans.
One of the things that can make a novel memorable is its atmosphere. So what do we mean, exactly, when we use that word, and how do we craft it? Guest H. M. Long joins us to attempt to answer that question amid the nebulous, numinous clouds of vibes and aesthetics. Not every author's going to interpret it the same way, but it's a bit about the mood, a bit about how the setting creates the mood, a bit about the characters' sensory experiences and their memories of those sensory experiences, a bit about what details you use to pull the reader into the character's experience of the world. It's a bit about weather, a bit about lighting, a bit about the score and soundtrack you're trying to put in a reader's head. Writers can use common shorthands, familiar references, quick sketches of setting, vocabulary choices, and other tools to hack their reader's minds and invoke a particular energy and vibrance for their story. [Transcript for Episode 176] Our Guest: Hannah (H. M.) Long is a Canadian fantasy author. She inhabits a ramshackle cabin in Ontario with her family, but she can often be spotted snooping about museums or wandering the Alps. Hannah writes for Titan Books and is the author of the Four Pillars Quartet (Hall of Smoke), the Winter Sea Trilogy (Dark Water Daughter), the Entwined Duology (2026), Ashmarked (2027), and more. For the latest updates, follow Hannah on TikTok (@hmlongbooks), Instagram (@hmlongbooks), and Twitter (@hannah_m_long).
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Creative careers look glamorous from the outside. The inside is usually…a little messier.In episode 160, I sit down with Liz Astrof, TV writer ("Stumble," "King of Queens," "Pivoting," etc.) and author of Stay-At-Work Mom, to talk about the real mechanics of building a career in entertainment and publishing. Not the highlight reel. The actual process.Liz shares what it's like to write for television while also stepping into the world of books. Different mediums. Different pressures. Same core truth: Good work takes time to find its footing.We talk about the long stretch between idea and green light. The pitches that don't land. The projects that stall. And why collaboration is both the magic and the madness of working in TV (and being an author!).She also shares a candid look at her version of resilience. Not the motivational-poster version but the practical version, where you keep showing up, keep refining, and keep creating—even when the timeline isn't cooperating (which, let's face it, is the one constant).If you've ever wondered how creative careers actually unfold—or questioned whether persistence alone is enough—this conversation will feel familiar and encouraging in the best possible ways.***** This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy.
I'm joined on the podcast today by Jessi Cole Jackson, author of the newly released Ruinous Creatures, a spicy, feminist romantasy set in a world where people wear the bones of mythical creatures in order to wield their magic. Jessi shares her journey toward publication, including persisting through four different projects failing on submission before ultimately selling her debut. You can learn more about Jessi on her website, follow her on Instagram, and purchase your copy of Ruinous Creatures here. *** Revise a Book with Me: I'm offering an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look into how I navigate the emotional highs and lows of revising a book under deadline. Experience the unedited, unvarnished truth of working as a full-time author – the good, the bad, and the weird. Learn more and join the experience here. *** You deserve to love your author career. I can help with that. Learn more about private coaching opportunities here: http://www.isabelsterling.com/academy Looking for even more author advice and notifications about upcoming workshops? Sign up for my weekly Real Talk for Writers newsletter by clicking here. DM me on Instagram & let me know what you thought of this episode!
Send a textWe celebrate Irish whiskey's roots, its collapse and comeback, and how Ohio became a hotbed for great bottles. We taste and score Bua Imperial Stout Finish, then mix an Irish Mule with maple and a Guinness Old Fashioned topped with vanilla foam.• Irish whiskey heritage from monks to Bushmills • Four core styles and triple distillation explained • Why Ohio's shelves now carry deeper Irish picks • Bua Imperial Stout Finish tasting and scores • Price, drinkability, and value talk • Irish Mule with barrel-aged maple tweak • Guinness Old Fashioned with chocolate bitters and foam • Irish coffee shortcut and bar gear tips • Shoutouts to local events, brands, and rare releasesIrish whiskey has a way of sneaking up on you—soft at first sip, then suddenly full of story. We kick things off by resetting our palates for St. Patrick's season and tracing the spirit's arc from monastic stills to the first license at Old Bushmills, through the hard years of trade restrictions and Prohibition, and into a modern revival that's filling glasses around the world. Along the way, we talk styles—single pot still, single malt, single grain, and blends—why triple distillation matters, and how used wood and clever finishes shape flavor without piling on heat.From there we get local. Ohio's shelves have quietly leveled up, and we shout out bottles that punch above their price, like The Whistler Double Oak, Writers' Tears, and a few “how is this still here?” finds. The centerpiece is our bottle breakdown of Bua Imperial Stout Finish, a Columbus-rooted Irish whiskey guided by seasoned hands. On the nose we find limoncello brightness, light cocoa, and a subtle nuttiness; on the palate, a gentle sugar note and roasted malt from the stout cask; the finish stays tidy and refreshing. We score it, debate body and balance, and talk real-world value—aka the kind of bottle that vanishes at a fantasy draft.Then we head behind the bar for two crowd-pleasers you can master tonight. First up: an Irish Mule with fresh lime, ginger beer, and a dash of barrel-aged maple syrup to round the edges. Next, a Guinness Old Fashioned built with Bua's stout finish, chocolate and Angostura bitters, and a silky Guinness brown-sugar syrup, crowned with a light vanilla foam. It drinks like the best parts of a pour and a pint in one glass. We close with a quick Irish coffee riff and a few gear tips to make your home bar smoother and more fun.Raise a glass with us, explore beyond the usual suspects, and lean into a season made for sharing good bottles and better stories. If you enjoyed this one, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves whiskey—or Guinness. Your support helps more curious listeners find their next favorite pour.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X, and Patreon. Become a member on YouTube and Patreon. Leave super chats on YouTube. Good bourbon equals good friends and good times. Make sure that you don't drink and drive, drink responsibly, and live your life uncut and unfiltered.voice over Whiskey Thief Add for SOFLSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.com The Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/
Writers/directors Maggie Levin, Flying Lotus, Tyler MacIntyre, Vanessa & Joseph Winters and Johannes Roberts
I've reached a point where the marketplace of ideas feels broken. The conversation around the Iran war, especially the discussion about oil prices and the Strait of Hormuz, has been less about understanding events and more about reacting to every twitch in the market.This realization hit me last weekend when I watched otherwise smart commentators react breathlessly to oil futures spiking. Writers like Nate Silver and Derek Thompson framed the surge in prices as a potentially catastrophic moment for the Trump administration, a Rubicon that could permanently damage the president's economic credibility.That logic makes sense in theory. Gas prices are one of the most politically sensitive indicators in American life. If they rise sharply and stay elevated, the economic narrative can turn quickly against any administration. But what bothered me wasn't the conclusion. It was how little anyone seemed to know about the mechanics behind the story.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The Strait of Hormuz, through which a massive share of the world's oil flows, became the center of speculation. Could Iran shut it down? Had it ever been fully closed before? What would the United States do if shipping lanes were mined?These are complex questions. Yet much of the discussion reduced them to the most basic possible analysis: oil prices go up, oil prices go down.The Problem With Market Narratives and the Age of Info SlopOver the course of a single night, I found myself obsessively researching the issue. I dug into the Iran–Iraq tanker wars of the 1980s, when both countries targeted shipping in the Persian Gulf. I looked at how mines were deployed in the Strait of Hormuz and how the United States eventually intervened to escort tankers and protect trade routes.The historical lesson was clear. Even during the worst periods of that conflict, the strait never truly closed. Oil shipments slowed and risks increased, but global energy markets adapted.By Monday morning, the markets themselves seemed to confirm the lesson. Oil prices surged, then dropped back below their previous levels. The panic narrative collapsed almost as quickly as it appeared.What replaced it was not clarity but confusion. Rumors circulated that Iran was mining the strait. Other reports suggested ships were still passing through after turning off their transponders. At one point, a claim that the U.S. Navy had escorted a tanker through the strait briefly moved markets before the White House denied it.This constant churn of speculation reveals a deeper problem: very few people actually know what is happening.In theory, the modern information environment should make us better informed. Instead, it often produces the opposite result. Analysts extrapolate sweeping conclusions from tiny fragments of data, while social media amplifies every rumor until it looks like evidence.The result is what I can only describe as “info slop.” Bits of partially verified information get passed along, combined, and reinterpreted until the original facts are almost impossible to distinguish from the speculation built around them.In a normal news cycle, that dynamic is frustrating. But in a war, it is dangerous.The Iran conflict carries enormous stakes. A prolonged fight could reshape the Middle East, disrupt global energy markets, or even trigger a wider geopolitical confrontation. Yet the public conversation about the war often resembles message-board debates rather than serious analysis.We are arguing over rumors about oil shipments and naval escorts while the broader strategic picture remains murky.Part of the problem is structural. During wartime, the actors with the most reliable information have strong incentives not to share it. Governments conceal details to protect military operations. Adversaries spread misinformation to manipulate perceptions.Even seemingly straightforward facts become difficult to confirm. Was a school struck by a missile because of a U.S. attack, an Iranian malfunction, or something else entirely? Did Iran mine shipping lanes, or were markets reacting to a rumor?In many cases, the honest answer is simply that we do not know.And yet the conversation continues as if every piece of incomplete information carries definitive meaning.Stepping Back From the NoiseFor me, the lesson is simple. If the discourse is making you feel more confident about events you barely understand, it may not actually be informing you. It may simply be feeding the human instinct to fill gaps in knowledge with speculation.The war with Iran could become one of the defining geopolitical events of this era. It could destabilize a region, reshape energy markets, or even trigger regime change inside Iran itself.But right now, much of what passes for analysis is just noise layered on top of uncertainty. The healthiest response might be the hardest one: consume less of it. Read less news that pretends to provide clarity where none exists.We don't know what's happening yet. And pretending otherwise doesn't make us smarter.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:02:18 - Thomas Massie00:06:24 - Iran Discourse00:16:59 - Kirk Bado on Iran00:32:36 - Update00:33:36 - Oil00:34:51 - SAVE America Act00:40:41 - AI Hiring00:42:49 - Kirk Bado on Iran, con't00:54:38 - Kirk Bado on Texas01:13:09 - Steelers Talk01:22:16 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe
Guy Goldstein discusses how his background as both a programmer and screenwriter led to the creation of WriterDuet, one of the most innovative screenwriting tools available today. Recognizing that screenwriting is often a collaborative process, he built software that allows writers to work together in real time rather than sending drafts back and forth.The result is a platform designed to streamline the creative workflow while eliminating many of the technical frustrations writers face. The conversation explores how programming principles mirror storytelling structure, why better tools can improve a writer's process, and how collaboration is shaping the future of screenwriting. Guy also shares insights into WriterDuet's evolving features and how technology can empower writers without replacing the creative heart of storytelling.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Karen Palmer joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about changing her identity to escape a dangerous ex-husband, being stalked, the consequences of deciding to disappear, coming to grips with the experience of domestic abuse, mistaking grief for maturity, telling a story as truthfully as possible, relinquishing a child, the long-term effect of PTSD, not ever completely knowing ourselves or others, deep truth vs. inconsequential truth, writing about ourself like we are a character, projecting a persona that isn't real, understanding the end of the story late in the writing, moving around in time without losing the reader, believing in a story and the ability to tell it, and her new memoir She's Under Here: a Love Story, a Horror Story, a Reckoning. Also in this episode: -keeping the faith -trying a story out as fiction first -coming of age with many obstacles Books mentioned in this episode: -In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado -Bluets by Maggie Nelson -Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel Karen Palmer's memoir She's Under Here grew out of her award-winning essay The Reader Is the Protagonist, first published in VQR and selected by Leslie Jamison for inclusion in Best American Essays 2017. She has received a Pushcart Prize and grants from the NEA and the Colorado Council on the Arts, and is the author of the novels All Saints and Border Dogs. Other work has appeared in the Kenyon Review, Arts & Letters, The Rumpus, and Kalliope. She teaches at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver, CO, and lives with her husband in California. Connect with Karen: Website: www.karenpalmer.com Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/karenpalmer.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/karenpalmer1989/ Facebook: facebook.com/palmer.karen She's Under Here can be purchased at: AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Shes-Under-Here-Karen-Palmer/dp/1643757547?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V14dH3NYK1_JGqY01snjfw.dGdXTKkQ0h0_uH68hQXjNRQ82iK7rF80ygG6EAeafQ8&qid=1759333809&sr=8-1' BOOKSHOP.ORG: https://bookshop.org/p/books/she-s-under-here-a-memoir-karen-palmer/d5c065268851768c?ean=9781643757544&next=t For a signed copy from Diesel Bookstore: https://dieselbookstore.com/book/9781643757544s Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shes-under-here-karen-palmer/1147279207?ean=9781643757544 – 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
Dominic Lim, co-host of the Writers’ Grotto
Platform growth can easily become all about numbers, such as followers, subscribers, downloads. But as Christian writers, our worth isn't measured by metrics.In this episode, we talk about how to pursue growth without being defined by it, how to focus on the people behind the numbers, and how to stay faithful while leaving the results to God.If you've been discouraged by slow growth or tempted to compare your journey to someone else's, this conversation will help refocus your heart where it belongs.Resources:* From Stuck to Steady: The 5 Pillars of a Consistent Writing Rhythm for Christian Writers (free 30-minute recorded workshop)* Schedule a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you get unstuck.* Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing. * Watch the podcast on YouTube.* Read the blog version of the podcast.* Download the “Christian Writer's Mindset Makeover”.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
In the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying?," Shanna and Laura explore the things that have brought out the waterworks in their little ones recently, including situations in the distant past that seem to have induced an anxiety attack and a jealousy-induced meltdown. Also, Laura is skeptical about her son's newest extracurricular activity, and Shanna is surprised by the incident that leaves her daughter looking "like a pirate." Finally, the moms wrap up with their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a joyous celebration at the park and a volunteer position that actually sounds fun. Shanna's kids are 10 and 7 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 and 5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Signing your kid up for an extracurricular activity that requires a big time commitmentDads taking the lead on planning activities for the kidsGetting your kids' ears piercedHandling your child's anxiety and allowing them to make their own decisions about their bodyCan a traumatic situation that happened when your child was a baby or toddler still affect them?When your child feels extreme jealousy toward their siblingNavigating your kids' big feelings about something seemingly trivialSetting rules about screen time and how your kids handle those rulesHaving a joint birthday party for your kidsVolunteering for your kids' extracurricular activityProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Little League2023 Writers StrikeThe SimpsonsPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. 271 - Where Laura talks about how the Writers' Strike is affecting her familyConnect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.comSend us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Writers (and comics journalism legends) Laura Hudson and Tim Leong join the show to talk their new Mad Cave series Exploit and their journeys to it. Hudson and Leong discuss the power of honesty, publishing their first comic, the evolution of Exploit, whether they always wanted to make comics, how the series developed, the impact of collaboration, Exploit's origins, channeling frustrations into the work, the book's energy, the importance of looking cool, print journalism trends, looking at comics from the outside, and more.
John and Ryan open the episode with their latest game pickups. Ryan is currently playing Resident Evil Requiem and shares his initial thoughts on the atmosphere, pacing, and early gameplay feel. John, meanwhile, continues his play of Valkyrie Profile. Ryan also brings updates from his ongoing grind in Guilty Gear Strive, talking about fundamentals, improvement, and the competitive mindset. That leads into a look at the fighting game community as he prepares for an upcoming event in Seattle and reflects on the energy of in‑person tournaments. John shifts the discussion to Magic: The Gathering, breaking down the latest Universes Beyond release and why the TMNT crossover is struggling to gain traction. From there, the guys explore the downfall of High Guard, the launch of Marathon, and what these releases reveal about current industry trends. The future of Xbox takes the spotlight as they discuss Project Helix and how it could shape Microsoft's long‑term strategy. They also recap the biggest highlights from Pokémon Day, including new releases and updates worth watching. The episode continues with a look at Sony's evolving PC porting strategy before wrapping up with the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week. This week's pick is McDonald's Treasure Land Adventures, as the guys revisit the Sega Genesis platformer and debate its place in today's retro market. 00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast 01:19 Recent Game Pickups and Current Playthroughs 08:47 Resident Evil Requiem: Gameplay Dynamics and Mechanics 14:50 Plucky Squire: Game Completion and Future Plans 19:51 Striving for Excellence in Guilty Gear Strive 26:46 Magic: The Gathering and Universes Beyond 31:40 High Guard's Demise and Industry Insights 36:27 Marathon's Launch and Player Reception 42:28 Project Helix and the Future of Xbox 44:22 Pokemon Day Highlights and New Releases 54:55 Sony's Shift in Game Porting Strategy 01:01:21 The Legacy of McDonald's Treasure Land Adventures Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18
Jordy Rosenberg is a professor in the MFA program at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. He's the author of the 2018 novel, Confessions of the Fox, which was the NYT Editors' Choice selection, shortlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and a Lambda Literary Award and a recipient of a number of other accolades. His latest, Night Night Fawn, is part novel, part autofiction, part unauthorized fictionalized memoir of a character inspired by Jordy's mother. It tackles transgenderism, homophobia, Marxism, Zionism, all through the lens of both history and this contemporary moment we're living through. He joins Marrie Stone to pick the book apart on the craft level, including writing from the POV of your own antagonist, capturing a strong and singular voice, using different textures (letters, movies, other novels, appendices, etc.) in fiction, using sex scenes and other scenes of various kinds of intimacy to show power dynamics, and so much more. For more information on Writers on Writing and to become a supporter, visit our Patreon page. For a one-time donation, visit Ko-fi. You can help out the show and indie bookstores by buying books at our bookstore on bookshop.org. It's stocked with titles by our guest authors, as well as our personal favorites. And on Spotify, you'll find an album's worth of typewriter music like what you hear on the show. It's perfect for writing. Look for the artist, Just My Type. You can find hundreds of past interviews on our website. (Recorded February 26, 2026) Host: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett Host: Marrie StoneMusic: Travis Barrett (Stream his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Etc.)
On this episode of the Ramp. It. Up! Podcast we are observing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month. MS is a chronic neurological disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves), causing symptoms like fatigue, vision loss, pain, and mobility issues.The month of March is set aside to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis, and support funding to find a cure. Our Guest for this episode of the podcast is Regina Beach, an author, an adventurer, a fellow performer of the From Where I Sit project, and a person living with MS. Regina shares about her life, her work in the arts, navigating living with MS, and how to keep things sexy with your partner, even with a disability. Ramp. It. Up!Get to Know Our GuestRegina Beach is a disabled poet and essayist. Originally from the American Midwest, she now calls the U.K. home. She is a freelance writer and editor passionate about accessibility in the arts. She is the founder of the literary magazine Lesions | Art + Words, featuring the work of creators living with chronic conditions. She hosts Writers' Hour and is the editor of the London Writers' Salon's Writing in Community anthology. She facilitates creativity workshops for the MS-UK charity and is the producer of the Living Well with MS podcast. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginabeach_creativewellbeing Facebook: http://facebook.com/ReginaBeachCreativeWellbeing/ Substack: http://reginagbeach.substack.com/ Website: http://www.reginagbeach.com/ Click the links below to watch the From Where I Sit performance presented by UAB:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfCYWhId-48https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvBSsiIQODQClick the link below to watch the From Where I Sit documentary directed by Ingrid Pfau:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M3qmd4WoPgStay Connected to the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramp.it.up.podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeOnWheelz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZAnH8I6sGEf7SJ9OKw8dEAEmail: rampituppodcast@gmail.comWe want to hear from you!Support the show
Send a textI recently read a book that stopped me in my tracks: ADHD for Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka. I picked it up out of curiosity. I did not expect to see so much of myself in its pages.As a woman who just turned 50, I grew up in a time when ADHD in girls was rarely part of the conversation. If anything, we were given vague explanations about learning differences or processing challenges, but very little insight into what our brains were actually doing.Reading this book reframed so much of my own story. Instead of treating ADHD as a deficit, Otsuka approaches it from a strengths-based perspective. Curiosity. Creative intensity. Hyperfocus. Pattern recognition. The ability to notice things other people miss. When I read those descriptions, I immediately thought about writers. So many of the traits we associate with ADHD are the exact traits that make someone a powerful storyteller. Writers are curious. Writers observe people closely. Writers connect ideas in ways others might not.And when something truly captures our interest, we can go deep. Many writers worry that they are not disciplined enough to finish a book. They start a project with enthusiasm, life interrupts, attention shifts, and the manuscript sits for months. It can feel discouraging.But what I have started to understand is that this is often not a motivation problem. It is a systems problem. Different brains need different structures. For me, that has meant learning when my brain is ready to write and taking advantage of those moments of deep focus. It has meant finding environments that help me concentrate. Coffee shops have always worked for me. It has meant using tools like body doubling, where simply being in a room with other writers helps my brain settle into the work. And it has meant embracing the reality that writing does not have to be a solitary experience. Community changes everything. Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing. Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026. Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you'll get a writer's retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention. Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here. Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here. If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. You can find us on Instagram and Threads
Want more? Join the Frightday Society, at http://thefrightdaysociety.org This week we talk all things Scream, connections to the franchise's history, the minds behind it, & the controversial pivot of Kevin Williamson's Scream VII. And we do it with our good pals Heather Hynes, and Ramsey Ess of the podcast If You're Listening. "One person's mission to force her friend to listen to all the music he missed in high school." https://www.ifyourelistening.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/if-youre-listening/id1271263096 https://www.patreon.com/cw/ifyourelistening As a Society Member, you'll have access to all Screamium content (Behind the Screams, It's Been a Weird Week, A Conversation With..., Toast to Toast PM with Wine Kelly, Cinema Autopsy, the Writers' Room, bonus episodes of Captain Kelly's Cryptids & Conspiracies, Byron's Serial Corner, and so much more! You'll also be part of our interactive community dedicated to the advancement of horror, hauntings, cryptids, conspiracies, aliens, and true crime. All things frightening. Keep our mini-fridges full of blood...I mean...not blood...normal things that people drink...by going to http://shop.frightday.com Theme music by Yawns Produced by Byron McKoy Follow us in the shadows at the following places: @byronmckoy @kellyfrightday @frightday This is an Audio Wool Original.
Acclaimed short fiction writers Sarah Hall, Jonathan Escoffery, and Niamh Mulvey on building immersive worlds in compressed spaces, grounding stories in real human stakes, and writing openings and endings that transform both character and reader. Timestamps: 00:01:06 Sarah Hall (from Episode 161) 00:14:43 Jonathan Escoffery (from Episode 56) 00:26:42 Niamh Mulvey (previously unreleased conversation) You'll learn: Sarah Hall's “keyhole” approach to short stories — and how the unseen world beyond the scene gives a story its depth. Why trusting your preoccupations beats forcing a theme, and how over-awareness of your own subject can kill the fiction. A technique for thickening a thin first draft: telescope into your character's childhood, then out to their future. Why Jonathan Escoffery believes stories without real-world stakes will lose to equally crafted stories that engage with the world, every time. How Escoffery pairs imagination with lived emotional experience to make unfamiliar settings resonate — and why personal growth feeds artistic growth. What choosing a linked story collection over a novel taught Escoffery about pacing, pause, and propulsive energy. Why Niamh Mulvey thinks showing off your best writing in an opening is a mistake — and what to do instead (start specific, name a character, put two people in relation). A prompt for finding your story's urgency: ask “why this moment?” and aim for the energy of really good gossip. How character desire shapes place and plot at the same time, so setting becomes what your character wants rather than backdrop. Mulvey's “third element” — a character, object, or event seeded early that can emerge later to unlock your ending. Resources & Links: Join our LWS community! Sarah's full episode and notes Jonathan's full episode and notes If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery Hearts and Bones: Love Songs for Late Youth by Niamh Mulvey The Amendments by Niamh Mulvey Sombrero Fallout by Richard Brautigan About Sarah Hall: Sarah Hall is one of the UK's most talented authors. Twice nominated for the Man Booker Prize, the first and only writer to win the BBC National Short Story Award twice, she has written ten highly acclaimed novels and short story collections. About Jonathan Escoffery: Jonathan Escoffery is the author of the linked story collection If I Survive You, a New York Times and Booklist Editor's Choice, an IndieNext Pick, and a National Bestseller. His stories have appeared in The Paris Review, Oprah Daily, Electric Literature, Zyzzyva, AGNI, Pleiades, American Short Fiction, Prairie Schooner, Passages North, and elsewhere. About Niamh Mulvey: Niamh Mulvey is from Kilkenny, Ireland. Her short fiction has been published in The Stinging Fly, Banshee and Southword and was shortlisted for the Seán O'Faoláin Prize for Short Fiction 2020. Her short story collection Hearts and Bones: Love Songs for Late Youth was published by Picador. The Amendments is her first novel. For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers' Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS' SALONTwitter: twitter.com/WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you're enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!
Send a textWelcome everyone, to the conclusion of my interview with Professor and El Paso County Sheriff's Department Investigator Jennifer Bucholtz. Jennifer Bucholtz is a former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Agent, and a decorated veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Northern Arizona University, a master's degree in criminal justice from the City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a master's degree in forensic science from National University. Ms. Bucholtz has an extensive background in U.S. military and Department of Defense counterintelligence operations. Ms. Bucholtz is currently an adjunct faculty member at AMU and teaches courses in criminal justice and forensic sciences. Additionally, she is a cold case investigator for her local sheriff's office, host of AMU's investigative podcast “Break The Case,” and founder of the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Break The Case. Please enjoy this eye-opening and fascinating interview with someone who has done so many incredible things and continues to serve her community. In today's episode, we discuss:· Meeting Lt. Joe Kenda. · Why is she so interested in cold cases?· The Steven Avery case.· The Rebecca Gould murder. Was her killer a serial killer? All the missteps of the original detectives and how she overcame those errors. · Why does she still communicate with her murderer?· Her company, Break The Case.org.· The Debbie Sue Williamson case.· What is her criteria for taking a case?· Forensic and investigative science has never been better. Why are clearances not keeping up with the science? · What's in the future of cold cases? DNA keeps getting better, and perhaps using AI as a tool, not a replacement for humans. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Visit Break the Case!Visit the Cops & Writers Website!Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!My first week as a rookie cop, I had to decide whether to pull the trigger on a man running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That was my introduction to policing in Milwaukee.From Wall Street Journal-featured author Patrick O'Donnell comes a memoir of rookie years on Milwaukee's streets.Support the show
We are so excited for another inspiring and heart-opening conversation with Yumi!Yumi is a second-generation Japanese-Okinawan-American interdisciplinary artist and the author of several books including her latest eBook: Spells for Transforming Limerance into Liberation.Yumi reminds us that we are creative, playful, and imperfect beings.Yumi's websiteYumi's recommended tool: BrickLeah's website
Let's Talk - MoviesEpisode 101: Unlawful Entry (1992) - Rapid ReviewJason Connell revisits the classic 1992 film, Unlawful Entry, with a rapid review, sharing sharp insights and impressions on why the movie still holds up today.Recorded: 02-15-26Studio: Just Curious MediaListen:BuzzsproutApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsAmazon MusiciHeartRadioTuneInWatch:YouTubeFollow:FacebookInstagramHost:Jason ConnellAffiliates:BuzzsproutRiversideWe Edit Podcasts#justcuriousmedia #letstalkmovies #mrjasonconnell #cinema #classicmovies #movies #moviereviews #film #filmreviews #studios #producers #directors #writers #actors #moviestars #boxoffice #unlawfulentrySend a textSupport the show
Charlotte and Jo go deep on jealousy, self-hatred, love, and vulnerability in a conversation that touches on A Separate Peace, The Go-Between, Beowulf, and more. Then the canny and intrepid Maya Binyam joins for a discussion about the category of little girlhood, ambiguity in fiction, and female desire.Maya Binyam is the author of Hangman. Her writing has appeared in the New Yorker, the Paris Review, Best American Short Stories, and elsewhere. She is a 2025 - 2026 Rome Prize Fellow at the American Academy in Rome. Please consider supporting our work on Patreon, where you can access additional materials and send us your guest and book coverage requests! Books discussed on all seasons of the podcast are aggregated here on Bookshop. Questions and comments can be directed to readingwriterspod at gmail dot com. Outro music by Marty Sulkow and Joe Valle.Charlotte Shane's most recent book is An Honest Woman. Her essay newsletter, Meant For You, can be subscribed to or read online for free, and her social media handle is @charoshane. Jo Livingstone is a writer who teaches at Pratt Institute. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Send a textIn this episode of The Savvy Scribe, Janine sits down with Shaun Chavis, a former journalist, editorial director, and content marketing consultant, to talk about who actually hires nurse writers. Shaun shares her perspective from years of hiring health professionals for editorial and content marketing roles in media and health tech companies.If you're a nurse curious about freelance writing—or a beginner who hasn't landed your first client yet—this episode pulls back the curtain on what hiring managers look for, why nurses are highly valued in health content, and how to position your expertise to attract the right opportunities.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWho actually hires nurse writers in today's content landscapeWhy nurses often have an advantage over generalist health writersHow clinical experience helps writers interpret studies and explain health topics clearlyWhat hiring managers look for when reviewing pitches and writing samplesWhy subject matter expertise makes writing faster and more valuableHow to evaluate startups as potential writing clientsThe difference between transactional marketing and long-term content strategyWhy writers should think of articles as long-term business assetsHow clear, plain language improves health communicationHow platforms like Substack are creating new opportunities for writers and brandsWelcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNESAnd if you love it, can I ask for a
Larissa Pham's writing has appeared in The Nation, the New York Times Book Review, Aperture, Bookforum, Art in America, Granta, the Paris Review Daily, and elsewhere. Her essays and short fiction have been anthologized in Kink (Simon and Schuster, 2021); Wanting: Women Writing on Desire (Catapult, 2023); and Critical Hits, an anthology of writing on video games (Graywolf, 2023). She holds an MFA in fiction from Bennington. She is an Assistant Professor of Writing at the New School. Her debut novel, just published, is Discipline. Larissa joins Barbara DeMarco-Barrett to talk about plot, narrative tense, the freedom of writing without quotation marks, metafiction, revision, naming characters, themes, and much more. For more information on Writers on Writing and to become a supporter, visit our Patreon page. For a one-time donation, visit Ko-fi. You can help out the show and indie bookstores by buying books at our bookstore on bookshop.org. It's stocked with titles by our guest authors, as well as our personal favorites. And on Spotify, you'll find an album's worth of typewriter music like what you hear on the show. It's perfect for writing. Look for the artist, Just My Type. You can find hundreds of past interviews on our website. (Recorded February 6, 2026) Host: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett Host: Marrie Stone Music: Travis Barrett (Stream his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Etc.)
On today's program, Global Outreach Developments International—which goes by the name G.O.D. International—is in the hot seat after a lawsuit claims the Nashville-based ministry and its former leader engaged in sex trafficking and forced labor. We'll have details. Also, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability is rolling out its new LeaderCare standard—we have compiled practical steps to help ministries develop their own plan and come into compliance with the new standard. Plus, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz proposes taking Trey's Law to the federal level, making non-disclosure agreements in cases of child sexual abuse unenforceable. And, U.S. Foreign Missions faces a time of upheaval—although elsewhere, cross-cultural ministry remains robust. But first, a prominent North Carolina pastor and leader with the Acts 29 Network has been removed from leadership after confessing to an ‘inappropriate relationship.' Tyler Jones is vice president for Acts 29 and founder of Vintage Church in Raleigh, N.C. Last month, he confessed the inappropriate relationship to the Vintage Church elders…who then voted to remove Jones from his role, effective immediately. Acts 29 also dismissed him from his VP position. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Isaac Wood, Kim Roberts, Jessica Eturralde, and Richard Ostling. A special thanks to Religion UnPlugged for contributing material for this week's podcast.
In this episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience, I talk about the two most critical actions you must take in 2026 to double your revenue: embracing AI and leveraging "unscalable" old-school practices. I argue that Google AdWords is dying and that every piece of content you make today is being indexed by AI bots that will eventually recommend services to customers. I also share the simple, guaranteed analog strategy of reaching out to every former client you've ever had. You'll learn about:The Imminent Impact of AI on Every BusinessWhy Google AdWords is the New Yellow PagesHow to Test Your Ads for Free Before Paying for MediaThe Barbell Effect: Extreme Tech Meets Extreme AnalogThe Importance of Content Volume and FormSubstack: The New Platform for Writers to Generate RevenueThe Guaranteed Way to Become "Top of Mind" with Former Clients
Sign up for the Chicago CWT Listener Meetup. Henry Oliver is the preeminent literary critic for non-literary nerds. His Substack, The Common Reader, has thousands of subscribers drawn in by Henry's conviction that great literature is where ideas "walk and talk amongst the mess of the real world" in a way no other discipline can match. Tyler, who has called Henry's book Second Act "one of the very best books written on talent," sat down with him to compare readings of Measure for Measure and range across English literature more broadly. Tyler and Henry trade rival readings of the play, debate whether Isabella secretly seduces Angelo, argue over whether the Duke's proposal is closer to liberation or enslavement, trace the play's connections to The Merchant of Venice and The Rape of Lucrece, assess the parallels to James I, weigh whether it's a Girardian play (Oliver: emphatically not), and parse exactly what Isabella means when she says "I did yield to him," before turning to the best way to consume Shakespeare, what Jane Austen took from Adam Smith, why Swift may be the most practically intelligent writer in English, how advertising really works and why most of it doesn't, which works in English literature are under- and overrated, what makes someone a late bloomer, whether fiction will deal seriously with religion again, whether Ayn Rand's villains are more relevant now than ever, and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video on the new dedicated Conversations with Tyler channel. Recorded January 12th, 2026. This episode was made possible through the support of the John Templeton Foundation. Other ways to connect Follow us on X and Instagram Follow Tyler on X Follow Henry on X Sign up for our newsletter Join our Discord Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Learn more about Conversations with Tyler and other Mercatus Center podcasts here. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:40 - What Shakespeare is really saying in Measure for Measure 00:29:17 - The best way to consume Shakespeare 00:32:26 - Jane Austen, Adam Smith, and Jonathan Swift 00:39:29 - Advertising that works 00:44:37 - Things that are under- and overrated in literature 00:51:24 - Late bloomers 00:58:36 - Outro Image Credit: Sam Alburger
Watch this episode on YouTube Zach, Amin and Mayes present the scribes with the weakest pen game, the worst plotting and the most nonsensical understanding of the way movies or the world works. CINEPHOBE MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Join the Count The Dings Patreon for Rewatchingtons, Ad-Free Episodes, Extended Cold Opens and more at www.patreon.com/CountTheDings Cinephobe is now on Youtube! Subscribe and check out CT5s and Look At This Photograph on Video. Subscribe to Cinephobe! Then Rate 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify. Follow Cinephobe on Twitter, Instagram & Threads: CTD @countthedings IG: @cinephobepod Threads: @cinephobepod Zach Harper @talkhoops IG: @talkhoops Threads: @talkhoops Amin Elhassan @darthamin IG: @darthamin Threads: @darthamin Anthony Mayes @cornpuzzle IG: @cornpuzzle Threads: @cornpuzzle Email: cinephobepodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices