Hollywood writers went on strike last week, with thousands of WGA writers joining picket lines in LA and New York. But what are the writers striking for exactly—and how will it affect us as consumers and writers? Guest Miranda Banks joins the show to make sense of it all. Miranda is the author of The Writers: A History of American Screenwriters and Their Guild and associate professor and Department Chair of Film, Television, and Media Studies at Loyola Marymount. In the interview, she talks about why the writers are storming Hollywood studios from coast to coast, the threat of streaming services and AI to their livelihood, and how this strike fits into a historical context. 

We all understand the importance of choosing the right words, but few realize that minor tweaks to how we speak and write can change people’s minds, engage our audiences, and persuade them to do things we want them to do. Podcast guest Jonah Berger has a new book out called Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way. Berger is a marketing professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a language detective. He shares what his research and science can tell us about language and how to use it more effectively.  Want to watch the full video on youtube? Click here. To find out more about Write About Now, go here.  More information on Jonah Berger.  

Are you looking to start a hustle that helps you earn some extra money on the side? This episode is for you. Guest Nick Loper is the host of the podcast The Side Hustle Show and the author of nine books. At any given time, he's engaged in 10 to 15 side hustles that earn him hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly. On the show, we talk about identifying opportunities in your own life, the steps and barriers to success, writing side hustles in 2023, and much more. 

The pandemic and economic turmoil have sparked many to ask: What’s next for me in my career and life — and how do I get there? But most of us hesitate to make big changes for reasons such as financial insecurity, fear of the unknown, and fear of failure. Enter my guest Joanne Lipman, a seasoned journalist, and author of the new book, Next! The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work. Joanne interviewed hundreds of people and poured over research to come up with a roadmap for people to make successful career changes. On this episode, she lays out the 4 s's: search, struggle, stop, and solution. These will help guide you on your exciting new path to change.  

Dave Asprey joins the show to talk about his new book Smarter Not Harder: The Biohacker's Guide to Getting the Body and Mind You Want. Dave is an entrepreneur, author, and biohacker best known for founding Bulletproof Coffee. Using his body as a guinea pig, he experiments with different diets and fitness routines to optimize for health and wellness. He once said he aims to live to be 180 years old. Some of his views are controversial, but many swear by their effectiveness — and his made him a millionaire many times over. We cover such topics as how to tap into your body's natural operating system, the myth that willpower (or lack of it) is the problem, foods to eat and avoid, the best 10 minute workout you can do, and why he believes embracing your inherent laziness will increase your energy and optimizing your biology. Whether or not you agree with Dave, there is a ton of useful info to chew on here.  Subscribe to my substack, Small Talk @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Join the WAN Patreon community for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast For more about Dave Asprey: https://daveasprey.com/

Love em or despise em, the number-one pop songs at any given time reflect the zeitgeist of popular culture and say a ton about how young people consume music. Guest Tom Briehan is a senior editor at Stereogum, where he writes “The Number Ones” column, cataloging the story behind every No. 1 single on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart since 1965. His new book, The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music, singles out the singles that made an indelible mark. He tells the fascinating story of some of those songs, from "The Twist" to "Black Beatles."  Subscribe to my substack Small Talk  Support the show on Patreon

We're taught that anxiety is damaging and painful, and we must eradicate it like a disease, preventing it, medicating it, and overcoming its hold on us. But what if anxiety is actually an evolved advantage that protects us and strengthens our creative powers? That's the radical argument of this week's guest Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and author of Future Tense: Why Anxiety is Good for You (Even If It Feels Bad). Tracy talks about why humans have anxiety, the difference between anxiety and fear, why anxiety feels so awful, the relationship between anxiety and hope, and how to start embracing and appreciating anxiety — rather than worrying about it.    Please subscribe to my substack Small Talk @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast 

Generative Artificial Intelligence is no longer something that is coming — it is here and it's exploding. Over the last few months, we’ve been introduced to technologies such as ChatGPT, a chatbot already helping to write articles for publications such as CNET and BuzzFeed. How can writers survive this? Guest Nina Schick is an author, advisor, and speaker specializing in Generative AI. Nina's 2020 book, Deepfakes, uncovered the dangerous political consequences of AI. Nina also writes a must-read substack called The Era of Generative AI. On the show, we talk about what Chat GPT can do, how it works, the benefits and the dangers, and whether powerful new AI will help augment our writing or automate it.

Most of us know very little about our home's history. But for some, finding out who lived there before you and what went on between those walls can be a bone-chilling experience. UK-based writer Matt Blake wrote about such a discovery in a recent story for The Guardian Newly divorced, Blake bought a pretty Victorian house to share with his daughter. But as strange details begin to reveal themselves, he realizes that the home has a dark past.     

We are amidst a pop music revolution largely dictated by an algorithm. Should we be afraid? John Seabrook joins the show to discuss his latest article in The New Yorker, "So You Want to Be a TikTok Star?" TikTok now has over 1 billion users and the app is transforming how artists create and market their music and how we listen to songs — for better and worse. Seabrook has written for the venerable New Yorker for over 30 years, specializing in stories about music, culture, and technology. His book "The Song Machine" detailed how hits were manufactured in the early 2000s, and this article picks up where that story left off. 

Guest @davidhochman is a veteran journalist and founder of Upod Academy, an online writing school for freelancers. On this replay of one of WAN's most popular episodes, David dives into the hacks that writers can incorporate into their daily routines to increase their creativity and skills.  More information on Write About Now @writeaboutnowmedia.com Subscribe to my newsletter @Small Talk on substack Support the show @ patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast

Mindful meditation has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, but many of us don't have the time or patience to make it a regular practice. Guest Jake Eagle says he has the solution - micro-dosing mindfulness. In his new book The Power of AWE, he and co-author Michael Amster, MD, share a simple mindfulness practice that can help you achieve the benefits of meditation in a matter of 20 seconds. For more information: linktr.ee/jonathansmall  

Only 8 percent of us will stick to our New Year's resolutions before the end of the year. Guest Amy Morin says that's because our goals are often too lofty or not specific enough. She offers some smart strategies for making and not breaking resolutions this year that will make you feel better about yourself. Amy is the editor-in-chief of VeryWellMind.com and the author of a series of bestselling books on strategies mentally strong people use. Her TedTalk is one of the most listened to of all time. 

Live from The Bourbon Room in Hollywood, an interview with pop music songwriter Sam Hollander. His new book 21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts details the many spectacular failures he endured until he finally hit it big in his early 40s. Sam has written chart toppers for such artists as Panic! At the Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Katy Perry, Weezer, Jewel, and Train. We spoke in front of a packed crowd about his many mishaps, his music industry rollercoaster ride, and how he writes hit songs despite not being able to play an instrument or read music. With special guest performances by Chris Pierce, Jordan Topf, and Terese Curatolo.  Write About Now @ www.writeaboutnowmedia.com Sign up for my newsletter Small Talk @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show on Patreon @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast  

Award-winning journalist Sam Quinones tells the terrifying story of how the deadly new synthetic drugs plaguing the country have lead to mental illness and a surge in homelessness across the United States. Quinones has a fascinating book out on the subject called The Least of Us, which chronicles how designer drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl took the place of opiates such as OxyContin and heroin. The powerful drugs are more addictive and lethal than anything we've seen before. Quinones also offers stories of hope as communities come together to combat addiction. 

College professor and author Thomas C. Foster joins the show to give a masterclass on the five steps needed to structure an awesome article. Foster's latest book is How to Write Like a Writer, part of a series of smart and useful guides he has written on understanding the fine arts of writing, reading, and researching. From the lead to the kicker, these are the key elements to making any story soar. 

Scientist Leah Elson joins the show to give fascinating and insightful answers to my dumb questions, including: Why do men have nipples? What's the deal with pubic hair? Why is the sky blue? Is teleportation possible? ..and many more Elson is an infinitely patient teacher. She has an upcoming book called There Are (No) Stupid Questions in... Science, in which she addresses a wide range of perplexing topics from the ridiculous to the sublime.  

"Friluftsliv" is what Swedish people do outside all day before they cuddle up in front of the fireplace with their wool socks on and a cup of hot chocolate. It's also the subject of the terrific new book The Open-Air Life written by Write About Now guest Linda Akeson Mcgurk. From walking barefoot around the neighborhood to foraging for mushrooms, Mcgurk talks about why and how we should spend more time outside and how friluftsliv can combat stress, anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout. Even if you're not the outdoorsy type, you'll find this interview a nice anecdote to our frantic, plugged-in society.   

In a world of misinformation and con artists gone wild, we need to be even more vigilant about who's lying to us and who's telling the truth. Guest David J. Lieberman, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist and the author of eleven books, including his latest Mindreader, which offers ways to decipher what people really think and want. Lieberman is a lie-detection expert who trains the FBI, CIA, and other security agencies on how to read minds. On this episode, he shares telltale signs of deceit in people's words and actions. He also offers his verdict on why lying has become an epidemic in today's society and what we can do about it. 

We all struggle with our self-confidence from time to time. But there are adjustments you can make mentally and physically to help boost your confidence and make a powerful impression. Guest Karen Donaldson is a communication, body language, and confidence coach. She works with politicians, celebrities, and artists to help improve their confidence when they’re speaking or not speaking. Karen is also the author of several books, including Speak Like You Breathe: 30 Lessons to Become a Naturally Confident Speaker. She talks about the steps you can take today to act more confidently. She also shares insight into how other people use their body language to manipulate you. 

Guest Benjamin Dreyer joins the podcast to talk about grammar do's and don'ts. Dreyer is the head copy chief at Random House and the author of the bestselling book, Dreyer's English. On the show, he talks about words and phrases you can go a week without using, the adjective he overuses, his controversial view on adverbs, and the most common mistakes writers make. This is a replay of an episode I recorded in 2019. Enjoy!

In our polarized and highly sensitive culture, it isn't easy being in the comedy business. But guest Ian Abramson has weathered the storm with his rare brand of eclectic and experimental humor. Ian was the creator and star of 7 Minutes in Purgatory on Comedy Central. He also appeared numerous times on Conan. He talks about why he got into comedy, how he crafts his jokes, and what it's like being a comic at a time when comedians such as Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle are attacked on stage, and an off-color joke might get you canceled. 

Guest Laura Vanderkam is a time-management and productivity expert, and author of the new book, Tranquility by Tuesday. A working mother of 5 children, she's had to learn a few things about how to get organized and make the most of your day. On the show, we talk about: What successful people do before breakfast Managing your day by tasks rather than time  What's wrong with to-do lists The best time to set appointments How to cope with your email inbox The importance of accountability groups And much more. There is a ton of good advice you can use to get more done with less effort. 

Have you ever heard of the Enneagram? It's a tool that breaks down personalities into nine types. Guest Dani Abernathy believes it can help reveal your motivations and your fears—and explain why you do the things you do. Dani is a fantasy fiction author and book coach. She swears by the Enneagram, believing it has assisted her with her writing and her personal development. On the show, she talks about how she uses the Enneagram with her clients to help them develop their writing skills and their characters. We also compare notes on our own personality types and how they help and hurt us.  Subscribe to my newsletter @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show on Patreon @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast Dani Abernathy's Kickass Protagonist Builder: https://bit.ly/3T7YxGX

He's the most notorious murderer you've probably never heard of. Edward Rulloff terrified the nation in the mid-19th century for his wickedness and his brilliance. His oversized brain was so fascinating that it still sits in a dusty jar at Cornell University. Crime historian Kate Winkler Dawson has written a new book about Rulloff called All That is Wicked. She shares his story and its implications for the then-emerging field of criminal psychology. The Rulloff case still raises the essential question: Are psychopathic killers born or made?

Richard Osman is the author of the wildly popular Thursday Murder Club book series. He is also the host/presenter of a weekly quiz show in the UK called Pointless. On the podcast, he talks about transitioning from TV host to bestselling novelist and why he thinks his very English books are popular worldwide. He also dives into his writing process, offering tips and tricks on how to make the most of your writing time. Other topics Richard cover include: The story of his childhood and the big event that happened to him at age 9 that changed his life.  His struggles with addiction How he got the idea to write a book based on a bunch of seniors in a retirement home. Some of the rules of writing a successful murder mystery His favorite books and novelists.  Visit Write About Now @ writeaboutnowmedia.com Subscribe to the newsletter @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast

In 2016, Dani Shapiro uncovered a stunning secret about her family. She has captured this story brilliantly in her memoir Inheritance. On this episode, she shares the revelation that forever altered her life and caused her to rethink who she really is. Dani is a bestselling novelist, memoirist (she's written five), and host of the popular podcast fittingly titled "Family Secrets." This is a replay of an interview we did in 2020.  Subscribe to my newsletter @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast Family Secrets: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-secrets/id1441824608

Millions of people around the world are obsessed with actor Benedict Cumberbatch. The most hardcore fans refer to themselves as 'Cumberbitches.' Author Tabatha Carvan, a wife and mother, counts herself among the Cumberbatch groupies. But in her new book, This Is Not a Book about Benedict Cumberbatch: On Finding Your Thing & Loving It Like Your Life Depends on It, she argues there's nothing wrong with her fixation. In fact, she says her passion for the man helped her find her sense of self and regain joy in her life.  

Do you find yourself forgetting things more and more? You're not alone. Information overload, stress, lack of exercise, and age contribute to memory loss. But your brain can fight back. Dr. Gary Small (no relation, we think) is an expert on memory and brain aging. His book The Memory Bible offers techniques and brain exercises that will improve your memory immediately. On the pod, we talk about what memory is exactly, why we forget things, and how writers can reach deep down into their memory reserves to retrieve forgotten moments for their personal essays and memoirs. For more information on Write About Now, visit writeaboutnowmedia.com.  Subscribe to the Small Talk Newsletter: https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast  

Boy Meets World star Maitland Ward talks about her provocative new memoir, Rated X, which chronicles her transformation from a successful Hollywood actress to an adult movie star. Ward talks candidly about the cruelty and sexism she encountered in mainstream entertainment and how porn saved her by allowing her to express her sexuality. Cast aside any preconceptions you might have about the shadowy adult industry. Ward shines a surprising new light on the skin trade.  Sign up for the Small Talk newsletter @ https://jonathan856.substack.com

Whether you're thinking about writing a novel, in the process of writing a novel, or you just wonder what makes the novels you love so readable, you will really enjoy this episode. Guest Heather Davis is a book coach who works one-on-one with writers worldwide on their novels. Heather talks about how a book coach helps writers make their books binge-worthy. She also sheds light on the biggest mistakes new novelists make when pitching an agent.

What time is the best for drinking coffee? Are naps actually good for you? Do I need to drink 8 glasses of water a day? These are just some of the daily habits and routines I talk about with Dr. Stuart Farrimond on this week’s episode. Dr. Farrimond is a trained medical doctor, teacher, and author of Live Your Best Life (also called The Science of Living in the UK). In his book, Farrimond consults research and science experts to provide more than 200 ways of rethinking the habits that create our daily routines. On the pod, he addresses some of them, including important matters of our workspace, sleep schedule, and water intake. You’ll probably with a different daily routine after listening, and find yourself a better writer—and human—for it.

Ewandro Magalhães is the former chief interpreter for the United Nations. He has interpreted for world leaders, pop singers, and the Dalai Lama. On this episode, he shares a collection of stories from the field and talks about this book The Language Game, which offers insights on the power of communication. Ewandro recalls the chance encounter with a certain member of the royal family that brought him to this high-pressure profession, and the work involved in interpreting for high-profile dignitaries. He also talks about what interpreters do in tricky situations, and the underrated traits that help someone succeed in the field.

Caitlin Doughty has devoted her life to death. She is a mortician, funeral home owner, and writer of three bestselling books. Her work has spawned the death-positive movement, which believes that open conversations about death and dying are the cornerstone of a healthy society. In this playback of our conversation a few years ago, Caitlin talks about why she became so interested in death and her desire to reform how Western society thinks about it. She also talks about her Anthony Bourdain-like journeys across the world to witness how other cultures practice more life-affirming funerals, unburdened by fear and morbidity. To support Write About Now and get bonus material, become a Patreon @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast

When was the last time you tried to change someone’s mind? How did it go? In our hyper-polarized world, persuading someone to see issues differently can seem maddeningly impossible. But David McRaney believes he has discovered a way. He is author of a fascinating new book called How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion , in which he lays out a psychological and scientific approach to getting people to change their minds. David culls from cutting-edge research and techniques used by groups such as political canvassers to detail a step-by-step process of getting someone to change their opinion, no matter how dug in they may seem. 

Have you ever wondered how audiobooks are created? This week, audio book narrator and voice over artist Sheri Saginor gives some behind-the-scenes insights into the process of creating an audiobook. Sheri breaks down the complicated process from the perspective of a voice over artist and shares the type of technology needed to become a part of the industry. She also shares considerations authors should make when turning their story into an audiobook, and what red flags to look out for when seeking a narrator. Plus, Sheri reveals why authors themselves are oftentimes the best voice over option for their audiobooks.

Writers Kelly and Zach Weinersmith take an illuminating and humorous look at emerging technological innovations, and how they can potentially help and harm us. Their graphic book on this topic is called Soonish. Some of the new science we discuss includes augmented reality, space elevators, asteroid mining, and more. The Weinersmiths are an unlikely couple and that’s what makes them so darn interesting. She’s a professor at Rice University specializing in parasites; he’s a cartoonist. They’re both self-professed science nerds fascinated with future technology. This is a replay of an interview Jonathan did with them in 2019.

Being from Wuhan, China, Kay Zhang is intimately aware of the ways COVID-19 tore apart families and affected Chinese society. One story from this crisis that particularly struck a chord with her was of a woman who attempted to journey from China’s countryside to Wuhan in order to reach her newborn child. Kay portrays this harrowing story in her short film  Mother in the Mist, which has appeared in numerous film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival and San Diego International Film Festival. On the pod, she details how she brought the story to the screen, and the ideas of American individualism and Chinese collectivism that are behind the film. She also talks about the way globalization has changed because of COVID and how artists in the U.S. and China are affected by politics.

Editors can teach us a lot of valuable lessons about good writing. They are the gatekeepers, generating story ideas, fielding pitches, and making out stories read better. In this episode, Shannon Palus gives us insight into what makes a successful editor and what they look for when finding writers. Shannon is a senior editor at Slate magazine and has spent much of her career focused on writing and editing health and science stories. In this episode, she talks about how she molded her career from her science background and how specializing has helped propel her career. She also details the makings of a good pitch, how to come up with winning story ideas, and the secrets to writing compelling personal essays. Plus, Shannon gives her opinion on journalists in the influencer age and how social media affects the industry.

What do David Bowie, Paul McCartney, and Salvador Dali have in common? They all admit to stealing from other artists in their creative endeavors. They have not only been caught stealing, but they've also admitted to doing it red-handed. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Good artists borrow; great artists steal,” and there is some question as to whether he stole that phrase. So, what the hell is going on here? Are all great artists plagiarists? Guest Austin Kleon joins this show in a replay of an episode I recorded with him in 2019 to talk about the joy and art of stealing from those you admire. He also shares his wisdom on creative ways to get the creative juices flowing and come up with all sorts of killer ideas. Austin is a writer, illustrator, and font of wisdom. The Atlantic once called him “the most interesting man on the Internet,” and you will see why. 

Disagreement can feel uncomfortable, especially as conversations about insurrection, gun control, and abortion capture public attention. But instead of descending into a full-blown argument whenever you disagree with someone, Bo Seo has some advice for turning these conversations into learning opportunities. Bo is a writer, two-time world champion debater, and author of Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard. In this episode, Bo offers tips for those seeking a productive debate—even when you’re dealing with ignorant people or alternative facts. He also talks about the importance of disagreement, especially at a time when viewpoints seem so polarized, and offers some real life examples we can turn to for debate inspiration.

In his bestselling book Unwinding Anxiety, Dr. Judson Brewer offers a 3-step plan clinically proven to break the cycle of worry and fear that drives anxiety and addictive habits. Dr. Jud believes we get stuck in "anxiety habit loops" that we can’t think our way out of or use willpower to overcome. The result is trying to run from anxiety and worry through actions like doom scrolling or binge eating rather than getting close and curious about what's actually happening in our bodies and our minds. This is a replay of a conversation I had with him in 2021. 

Avoiding adverbs, steering clear of the passive voice, never ending a sentence with a preposition—these are some of the writing rules that have been instilled in us since elementary school. But Carol Saller says they’re wrong ( as is never beginning a sentence with but or and). Carol is a contributing editor for the esteemed Chicago Manual of Style and the author of The Subversive Copy Editor. In this episode, she dispels the most common mistakes and assumptions writers believe. She also talks about the resources you can use to check your work and the role of AI in the future of writing.

In 2011, an oil tanker named Brillante Virtuoso was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden. At first, this seemed like a fairly common pirate attack. But when investigators looked deeper, they realized everything about this event was far from typical. This is the story of a murder mystery, a shady shipping magnate, insurance fraud, and two dogged cockney private investigators, as told by Bloomberg journalists Matthew Campbell and Kit Chellel.

The blank page is only one of many hurdles writers have to overcome. But how can we ensure that we have the proper mindsets and techniques to tackle these inevitable roadblocks? This week, Jenn T. Grace joins the podcast to talk about getting over the biggest roadblocks—both in our personal lives and as writers—that get in the way of our writing hopes and dreams. Jenn is the CEO of Publish Your Purpose, which combines both the benefits of traditional publishing and self publishing to help thought leaders get their books published. On the pod, Jenn details the biggest obstacles she sees when working with aspiring writers, and ties them to her own process of writing her memoir House on Fire. She also discusses the importance of a support system and reveals the three people writers need to have throughout their journey.

If you’re like me you probably have a lot of great ideas for books and articles that you get really excited about but kind of just go nowhere. But what about if you acted on some of these ideas, no matter what happened? That’s what guest Sascha Rothchild does. Sascha has written for TV shows like GLOW and The Carrie Diaries. She wrote a memoir How to Get Divorced by 30: My Misguided Attempt at a Starter Marriage. And this month, she released her first novel, a fun thriller called Blood Sugar. On the pod, Sascha talks about how she manages to make the time for her passion projects even when she’s not on the clock.

This week, Matt Richtel joins the pod to explain the concept of creativity: what it is, why we have it, and how we use it. Matt knows a thing or two about this topic. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The New York Times, a novelist, and a songwriter. His latest book is Inspired: Understanding Creativity: A Journey Through Art, Science, and the Soul Creativity.  In this episode, Matt details what science and research tell us about the mysterious creative spark—and why creativity may not always be a good thing. He shares what several studies have taught us about creativity, and talks about the way our creativity is stifled by our environment. Matt also shares his personal journey to unlocking creativity, and how a new mindset towards thinking has allowed him to fully explore any and all ideas that pop into his head.

As the son of a truck driver, John Searles remembers developing a love of literature at stops he’d frequent with his dad. Since then, his unconventional writing path has taken him everywhere from the esteemed offices of Cosmopolitan magazine to abandoned drive-in movie theaters for book inspiration. On the pod, John takes us through the triumphs and obstacles he went through to get his foot in the door of the journalism industry, and how he became a successful author on top of his 9 to 5. John also talks about writing his latest book Her Last Affair, and the different strategies he’s used to get his thoughts on paper