Best Inciting Incident Podcasts (2025)

1
AI, Aliens, & the Birth of a New World with John Petersen | #13 1:14:41

1d ago1:14:41

1:14:41

This week on The Inciting Incident, I sat down with renowned futurist John Petersen for a mind-bending journey through time, consciousness, and the unseen forces shaping our world. From out-of-body experiences and remote viewing to the role of extraterrestrials, artificial intelligence, and quantum consciousness, we explore the most urgent question…

1
Inciting Incident: How to Revise an Unputdownable Beginning 25:53

17d ago25:53

25:53

Your inciting incident sets the stage for everything that follows. Here's what to revise so it can carry the story. A great inciting incident does a lot of heavy lifting. → It hooks your readers, pulling them into the story. → And it sets up everything to come, laying the foundation for a brilliant climax your readers will love. The beginning matte…

1
Act Two vs Act Three: What's Really Happening at the Transition 10:33

44m ago10:33

10:33

Writers often get stuck at the transition between Act Two and Act Three—especially when the “all hope is lost” moment doesn’t quite fit their story. Is this moment supposed to be the character’s lowest emotional point? Is redemption supposed to kick in right away? What if your character is still flailing? In this episode, Zena challenges the conven…

1
Short Film, Big Story: What You Must Keep—And What You Can Drop 10:45

1d ago10:45

10:45

Writing a short film script can feel like trying to squeeze a novel into a sticky note. Can you really fit a full character arc, plot structure, and emotional payoff into just 10 minutes of screen time? In this episode, Zena answers the question: does the Hollywood Plot Map apply to short films, or is it overkill? Her answer might surprise you—and …

1
How Great First Chapters Make Readers Care (with Abigail K. Perry) 1:12:52

3d ago1:12:52

1:12:52

Your first chapter has a monumental task: to make potential readers care about your book right away and hook them to keep reading. Every sentence is a chance to earn your reader’s attention—or lose their fragile, baby-fresh interest before your story even begins. And that’s assuming that your book makes it to the bookstore shelves. If you’re tradit…

1
The Science of Miracles: Psychiatry, Spirituality, and the Soul’s Journey with Dr. Anna Yusim | #12 1:04:18

4d ago1:04:18

1:04:18

In this episode of The Inciting Incident, I get to speak with Dr. Anna Yusim, a Stanford- and Yale-trained psychiatrist, bestselling author, and executive coach to Fortune 500 CEOs and Olympic athletes, about her unexpected transformation from a left-brained math prodigy into a global spiritual seeker. She shares stories from her path: studying wit…

1
Are Your Story Beats Driving Change—or Dulling Impact? 10:05

15d ago10:05

10:05

You’ve got a great premise, compelling characters… but something’s off. Your story feels stuck, and you can’t figure out why. Chances are, your story beats aren’t pulling their weight. 💡 In this episode: Zena Dell Lowe reveals how to turn every scene into a powerful turning point. You’ll learn how to spot weak story beats, replace them with emotion…

1
A Chef’s Path to Quantum Healing with Aaron Grosskopf | #11 1:13:29

15d ago1:13:29

1:13:29

Aaron Grosskopf is a professional chef by trade who worked through the ranks in the culinary field. He reached his peak as a Chef de Partie at 3 Star Michelin rated Per Se in New York City. During his time as a private chef, a new desire came to the surface: natural health. Studying under some of the best in the field, like Dr. Joe Dispenza and Dr.…

1
From Pain to Presence with Rodney Moll | #10 1:13:36

24d ago1:13:36

1:13:36

This week, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Rodney Moll—entrepreneur, seeker, ocean explorer, and yogi—for a profound and expansive conversation about trauma, transformation, and transcendence. We explore the deeper truths that surfaced after Rodney’s near-death experience, his path to enlightenment through yogic discipline, the wisdom he f…

1
How to Ditch Contrived Dialogue for Good 12:41

29d ago12:41

12:41

Are your characters saying all the right things—but somehow it still feels off? Contrived dialogue is one of the fastest ways to pull your reader or viewer out of the story. Whether you're a novelist or a screenwriter, when your dialogue feels stiff, forced, or unnatural, it kills immersion and weakens emotional impact. The worst part? You might no…

1
The Mind Affects The Body with Dr. Hemal Patel | #9 1:23:03

1M ago1:23:03

1:23:03

At 17, Hemal Patel thought he’d become a doctor. What he didn’t expect was a path that would weave together molecular biology, philosophy, Catholicism, and meditation. In this episode of The Inciting Incident, Dr. Hemal and I dive into the intersection of science and spirituality, the mysteries of mitochondria, and his groundbreaking work with Dr. …

1
What If You Do Everything Right and the Book Launch Still Goes Wrong? with A.S. King 50:33

1M ago50:33

50:33

“It really broke my heart, actually. . . . For the rest of my life, it will break my heart.” A.S. King gets honest about what happened when the publishing industry failed her book. What happens after you edit your book? What happens after you’ve bared the story of your heart, crafted it into an excellent novel, and presented it to the world? What h…

1
Goal Diggers: Characters Who Actually Do Stuff 19:45

1M ago19:45

19:45

Ever feel like your story should be working — but something’s just... off? Chances are, your characters are missing the one thing that drives truly compelling fiction: a clear, active goal. In this episode, we dig into why so many screenplays and novels lose steam, how to spot the silent killer of narrative momentum, and what your character really …

1
The Hidden Power of Structured Water with Mario Brainovic | #8 1:24:11

1M ago1:24:11

1:24:11

What if the key to healing ourselves and the planet was hidden in something as simple—and as sacred—as water? In this episode of The Inciting Incident, I sit down with Mario Brainovic, CEO of New Earth Technologies, to uncover the science and mystery behind structured water. From improved ATP production to environmental regeneration, this conversat…

1
Radical Gratitude: Rewiring the Soul with Dr. Cynthia Miller | #7 1:12:20

2M ago1:12:20

1:12:20

What happens when a childhood marked by nuclear secrets, pain, and silence sparks a lifelong quest for healing, truth, and transcendence? This week, I’m joined by my friend and mentor Dr. Cynthia Miller, whose extraordinary life journey defies logic and inspires awe. In this episode, we dive into her profound insights on neural rewiring, multidimen…

1
Think You Need a Line Editor? Try This First 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

Do you need to hire a line editor? Or should you line edit your manuscript yourself? After all, you want to write an excellent novel. You know that great writing takes shape in revision, and you don’t want to skimp on any layers of editing. Nor do you want to overestimate your writing skills and leave your book littered with clunky sentences that a…

1
The Healing Language of Music with Barry Goldstein | #6 1:09:18

2M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

In this episode of The Inciting Incident, I get to sit down with Grammy-winning producer, sound healing pioneer, and my friend Barry Goldstein. From a promise made to his father at 15 over a cherry sunburst Les Paul to co-producing a track that would win a Grammy alongside the guitar’s very inventor, Barry shares the full-circle story of passion, p…

1
Unveiling Depths: The Secrets to Engaging Characters 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

Click to listen – your characters (and audience) will thank you. Have you ever created a character that felt… flat? No matter how detailed the backstory or how polished the prose, something just doesn’t click — and worse, your audience doesn’t care. That’s the pain point. And we’ve all been there. In this episode, we dig into why your characters mi…

1
Letting Go: A Psychologist’s Path to Inner Peace with Dr. Tara Deliberto | #5 1:20:15

2M ago1:20:15

1:20:15

What happens when a skeptical, science-driven psychologist experiences a spiritual awakening? In this episode of The Inciting Incident, I get to sit down with Dr. Tara Deliberto, a former Cornell faculty member and renowned eating disorder specialist, to discuss her radical journey from academic success to deep spiritual transformation. She shares …

1
How Surrealist Pantser A.S. King Revises Award-Winning Novels 1:29:34

2M ago1:29:34

1:29:34

“Revising is about making sure that you're saying what you want to say in the way you want to say it. . . . To me, revision is the sport. It's the impact. It's the reason we're writers.” Have you ever read a book and thought, Holy cow, this is amazing. How did this author DO this? Or, maybe you’ve read a book and thought, Wow, I wish I could write …

1
Breaking Patterns: Healing, Consciousness, and True Abundance | #4 1:14:28

2M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Sean Clayton is an entrepreneur, spiritual guide, and thought leader dedicated to facilitating personal transformation and abundance. He's the founder of Science of Abundance, a program focused on holistic well-being and emotional freedom. Throughout his life, Sean has overcome significant challenges, including incarceration, divorce, sexual abuse,…

1
The Future of Healing | #3 1:17:43

3M ago1:17:43

1:17:43

Dr. Todd Ovokaitys is at the forefront of longevity science and rejuvenation, renowned as a global leader, visionary advisor, and sought-after speaker in the fields of anti-aging, regenerative medicine, and cellular optimization. With decades of experience, Dr. Todd blends the most advanced approaches from conventional medicine with cutting-edge in…

1
The Editor Life: 5 Days Behind the Scenes with Alice 46:54

2M ago46:54

46:54

Ever wondered what an editor actually does all day? What it looks like to spend all day supporting writers in their stories? Or what your editor’s doing in all that time when they’re not sharing their feedback with you? If those questions pique your curiosity, you’re in luck. I’m pulling back the curtain to share a week in my life as a developmenta…

1
Journey Back to Love | #2 1:21:47

3M ago1:21:47

1:21:47

David Dayan Fisher is a multi-talented artist known for his work as an actor, writer, painter, and poet. He has portrayed memorable characters in both television and film, including roles in National Treasure, 24, and NCIS. Beyond acting, Fisher is a dedicated writer and poet whose work explores themes of the human experience, emotion, and self-dis…

1
Heroes vs Anti-Heroes: The Battle You Didn’t Know You Were Writing 22:34

3M ago22:34

22:34

Ever wondered if your character is truly a hero or just a morally questionable anti-hero? The lines are blurrier than you think, and it's time to get clear on the difference. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into the world of heroes and anti-heroes, breaking down their key differences and exploring the moral complexities that make them tick. Is you…

1
Redefining Healthcare: A Vision for the Future | #1 1:30:43

3M ago1:30:43

1:30:43

Welcome to the first episode of The Inciting Incident, where we explore the catalytic moment that brought somebody from ordinary to extraordinary and put them on the path they are on today. Since I was a young man, I’ve always been captivated by the human journeys that define artists, visionaries, and luminaries. These are the stories behind how to…

1
Episode 150: 7 Easy Ways To Add SUSPENSE To Your Story 28:46

3M ago28:46

28:46

Want to keep your readers on the edge of their seats? In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we’re breaking down 7 easy ways to add suspense to your story and make it impossible to put down.From building tension through your character’s deepest fears to raising the stakes with a ticking clock, these powerful storytelling techniques will help y…

1
How to Use Revision Tools Like the Story Authority You Already Are with Brannan Sirratt 57:36

3M ago57:36

57:36

When to use frameworks to solve your story problems—and when to trust yourself and lean on your own story authority. You’ve heard of Save the Cat! Story Grid. Blueprint for a Book. These are all frameworks designed to help you edit a novel. If you don’t know these names, I bet you know others—Hero’s Journey, Freytag’s Pyramid, 7 Point Story Structu…

1
The Real Inciting Incident: Why It’s More Than Just Big Events 21:35

3M ago21:35

21:35

Are you struggling to differentiate the inciting incident from your character’s "normal world" in your story? Many writers confuse the two, leading to confusion in their plot structure and weak storytelling. In this episode, we break down the difference between your character's everyday actions and the pivotal moment that launches them into the adv…

1
Ask This Question When You’re Overwhelmed by Your Story 22:49

4M ago22:49

22:49

Escape analysis paralysis with one powerful question. It’s deceptively simple—and yet it unlocks everything. If you’re like most of the writers I work with, you’re pretty savvy about story structure. You know your Story Grid, your Save the Cat!, your Hero’s Journey. You’ve probably analyzed your story six ways to Sunday, and you’ve got the spreadsh…

1
Pressure of Perfection: When Your Story Won’t Speak (& Your Characters Don’t Either) 18:34

4M ago18:34

18:34

Feeling like you have to land on the perfect idea can often freeze you in your tracks. What do you do when it seems like every idea isn’t good enough? How do you keep moving forward when the pressure to create the perfect story is overwhelming? You’ve probably heard other writers talk about their characters “speaking” to them, but what happens when…

1
Episode 149: How to Craft a Heartbreaking Villain's Backstory 29:09

4M ago29:09

29:09

Struggling to create a tragic villain backstory that tugs your reader's heartstrings? In this podcast, we'll show you how to write a villain with depth, exploring backstory techniques that make your antagonist unforgettable. Learn the secrets to writing a compelling villain by understanding villain motivation, how to make a villain relatable, and w…

1
How Multiple Layers of Editing Combine to Perfect Your Story (with Cathryn deVries and Kim Kessler) 1:32:05

4M ago1:32:05

1:32:05

The best novels combine rock-solid story structure with scenes that are unputdownable on every page. Here’s how one writer and two editors polished a story at every level. If you want to move your reader in every moment, keep them hooked on every page, you need to refine your scenes until each one is unputdownable. And that refinement? It’s SUCH a …

1
Plot Points & Character Arcs: How to Avoid Paralysis and Focus Your Story 19:01

4M ago19:01

19:01

Writers often feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities when developing their plot and characters, leading to “paralysis by analysis.” The fear of making the wrong choices can stall progress and derail a story’s direction. Learn how to break through that overwhelm and stay focused with key insights on organizing your story structure, making sur…

1
What Is a Manuscript Evaluation? (And Do You Need One?) 32:34

4M ago32:34

32:34

It’s the most common developmental editing service you’ll see. Know what to look for and when (or if) you need one. If you google “developmental editor” and start looking through editors’ websites, you’ll see a common service appear again and again: A manuscript evaluation. (Or assessment, or diagnostic, or critique. A rose by any other name, etc.)…

1
Mastering Character: A Back-to-Basics Approach for Writers at Any Level 27:23

5M ago27:23

27:23

Are you struggling to create memorable characters that drive your story? Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, mastering character development is crucial to engaging your audience. In this episode, Zena dives into the fundamentals of character creation, exploring why every writer—no matter their experience—should revisit the…

1
Scene Workshop: Hook Your Readers in Chapter One with Cathryn deVries 1:38:37

5M ago1:38:37

1:38:37

You get one shot to grab their attention. Don’t waste it with characters staring off into space. You've put all this work into uncovering your character's internal arc. You know them SO WELL. When you step into a scene, you're giving your absolute all to uncovering the deep meaning and purpose behind it, the profound arc of character transformation…

1
Offend to Enlighten: The Ethics of Writing 24:33

5M ago24:33

24:33

As writers, we often face the pressure to please our audience, avoid controversy, and "play it safe." But is this the most effective way to create meaningful, impactful stories? Many writers struggle with balancing moral responsibility and creative freedom, worried that their work might offend or alienate readers or viewers. In this episode, we div…

1
Episode 148: 10 Hacks to Write FASTER in Less Time 28:13

5M ago28:13

28:13

Are you ready to write faster than you ever have? Ready to charge into your writing projects with reckless creativity and write more words than you thought possible? In today's podcast, Kate and I will share our top 10 unique writing hacks for getting more words on the page FASTER (without rushing!) Grab a notebook and get ready to be inspired. Let…

1
The Unskippable Process to Create Unputdownable Books 25:57

5M ago25:57

25:57

It’s unpopular, but essential if you’re aiming to craft your best work. Picture this: one year from now, you’re holding your book in your hands. You see the gorgeous cover art, feel the slight resistance when you open the cover for the first time, run your hands over the soft, smooth paper, flip the pages and smell that delicious new book smell. Do…

1
Episode 147: How to Write MORE Words FASTER in 2025 28:27

6M ago28:27

28:27

Whether you're embarking on a New Year's goal or you're getting ready to tackle a big writing project whose time has come, Abbie and I are here to share with you our secrets for writing the book of your dreams FAST. We believe that writing a book doesn't have to be a never-ending project or a pipe dream; in fact, it can be something that you finish…

1
Why We’re Obsessed with Characters (and How to Make Yours Irresistible) 23:55

6M ago23:55

23:55

As writers, we often struggle with creating characters that feel real, dynamic, and compelling. Many of us get stuck focusing on plot, not realizing that without a well-crafted character, even the most thrilling story can fall flat. Readers or audiences won’t connect to a character who doesn’t feel authentic or multidimensional. In this episode, Ze…

1
Why You Should Watch Oppenheimer Today (The Plot Pals #7) 1:28:43

6M ago1:28:43

1:28:43

In this episode, Maral and Anna analyze Oppenheimer! We talk all about what really worked, what blew us away, and what could have been different. Is Oppenheimer Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece and a future classic? Watch this episode AFTER watching Oppenheimer yourself to avoid spoilers! Original Release Date: July 29, 2023…

1
Honest Barbie REVIEW from Two Fanatics (Plot Pals #6) 53:37

6M ago53:37

53:37

In this special episode, Plot Pals Maral and Anna give an honest review of the new Barbie movie by Greta Gerwig and their experience of watching the movie. We both share what we liked and disliked about the Barbie movie. Is the Barbie movie overrated or magical? You'll find out by watching this episode! Original Release Date: July 22, 2023…

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Fatal Flaws vs. Wounds: How to Deepen Your Characters' Arcs 18:01

6M ago18:01

18:01

Many writers struggle with creating characters who feel both complex and authentic. One common issue is misidentifying a character's fatal flaw, confusing it with a simple moral deficiency or surface-level trait. This misunderstanding can lead to flat, unrelatable characters who fail to resonate with audiences. In this episode, we break down the cr…

1
Create Characters Who Evolve: The Power of Rituals and Breaking Patterns 23:39

6M ago23:39

23:39

As writers, it’s easy to get stuck in the rut of creating characters who don’t feel like they’re evolving. If your characters seem to stay the same throughout your story, or their growth feels forced, you’re not alone. Many writers struggle with making their character arcs feel authentic and compelling. By the end of this episode, you’ll have pract…

1
Crafting Powerful Scenes: Tone, Theme, and Plot Transitions 48:00

6M ago48:00

48:00

Struggling to make your scenes feel dynamic and purposeful? Are you finding it difficult to set the right tone, weave in your theme, or transition smoothly between key plot points? In this episode, we dive into the craft of building powerful, unforgettable scenes that do more than just move the plot forward. Whether you’re a writer or a screenwrite…

1
Episode 146: How to Build a WRITING HABIT with NaNoWriMo 28:22

7M ago28:22

28:22

Do you struggle to commit to creative time every day? Are you ready to build a writing habit that lasts long after NaNoWriMo ends? In today's podcast, we're sharing our best advice for creating a bulletproof writing habit that sticks. So if you've been struggling to show up for your book, this episode will give you the tools you need to make writin…

1
The Power of Conflict: 3 Types of Obstacles That Build Heroes 19:37

7M ago19:37

19:37

Are you unsure how to build obstacles that challenge your characters on multiple levels and drive the story forward? In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe breaks down the three key types of obstacles every character can face. Learn how to craft each obstacle to challenge your characters in unique ways, forcing them to grow, make difficult choices, and pu…

1
The #1 Thing That Makes a Story Memorable (And 4 Ways to Nail It) 19:57

7M ago19:57

19:57

Struggling to make your stories stick with readers or audiences? You're not alone! Many writers get caught up in creating intricate plots and thrilling twists, but the truth is—it’s the relationships between your characters that keep people coming back. If your stories feel flat or forgettable, it could be because you're missing the emotional core …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Inciting Incident Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen