Best Three Act Structure Podcasts (2026)

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S18:E01: How My Writing Career Evolved in 2025—and the Author Business I'm Building for 2026 21:50

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21h ago21:50

21:50

In this episode, I'm looking back on how my writing career evolved in 2025—a milestone year marked by turning forty, rediscovering my teaching voice, and stepping into a deeper vision for my work. I explore the transitions from SEO to GEO, the shifting landscape of the writing life, and the tools and insights that helped me reimagine the next decad…

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Episode 269 - Jared Cooney Horvath - The Dangers of Student Technology – and How to Turn Digital Use Into a Learning Advantage 30:04

20d ago30:04

30:04

On episode 269, Alexis Avila speaks to returning guest Jared Cooney Horvath.Our Guest:Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and best-selling author who specializes in human learning and brain development. He is the creator of The Learning Blueprint, an international award-winning program helping educators and students under…

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S17:E29: The Best Books I Read in 2025: My Top Fiction and Nonfiction Picks 10:06

22d ago10:06

10:06

It's that time again—my annual roundup of the best books I read this year! In this episode, I'm sharing the top 10 reads that made my 2025 unforgettablem, from romantasy and magical realism that were some of my best reads of the decade to thought-provoking nonfiction that challenged how I think about life, creativity, and the world around us. This …

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S17:E28: Reflections on Turning 40 (+40 Things You Might Not Know About Me) 23:53

2M ago23:53

23:53

Today, I'm turning forty and taking a quiet moment to reflect on the decade that brought me here. My thirties were a season of transformation, challenge, and deep awakening. They changed me utterly, teaching me about pain as a portal, creativity as a life force, and story as the map that guides us home to ourselves. In this episode, I'm sharing 40 …

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S17:E27: 5 Ways to Keep the Story Moving Between the Big Moments 25:42

2M ago25:42

25:42

Do you ever feel stuck in the "in-between" sections of your story that come after one major plot point but before the next? You're not alone. Many writers can identify the big beats of their story's structure, but find the real challenge is connecting those plot points in a way that feels organic and alive. In this episode, K.M. Weiland shares a po…

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S17:E26: The Real Purpose of the Second Act (And Why You Can't Skip It) 20:05

2M ago20:05

20:05

What would stories be without their long, uncertain middles? In this episode, we explore the real purpose of the Second Act in story structure. The Secodn is the heart of every story, where transformation happens. You'll learn why this "middle" isn't just filler, but the symbolic journey that tests your characters, deepens your theme, and gives you…

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S17:E25: "Who Am I?" The Midpoint as Self-Recognition in Story Structure 19:30

3M ago19:30

19:30

Discover how the Midpoint in story structure is more than a Moment of Truth. It's self-recognition in which characters remember who they are.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:S24: Big vs. Small Character Arcs: Understanding the Degrees of Change in Storytelling 26:22

4M ago26:22

26:22

Not every story needs a protagonist who undergoes a massive, life-altering transformation. Some of the most memorable tales hinge on smaller, quieter shifts, or even on characters who remain steadfast throughout. In this episode, we'll explore the full spectrum of character arcs: Big arcs that redefine a protagonist's worldview Small arcs that mirr…

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S17:E23: How a Character's Personality Shapes Arc, Voice, and Goals 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

What makes a character unforgettable? It's not just quirks or dialogue. It's personality. Your characters' personalities shape their arcs, influence their voices, drive their goals, and and connect plot and theme into a cohesive whole. In this episode, we'll explore why personality is the secret ingredient to compelling storytelling and how you can…

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S17:E22: Why All Stories Are Myth—and How They Transform Us 21:17

4M ago21:17

21:17

Why All Stories Are Myth (and How They Transform the Psyche) What if every story you've ever loved—whether it's Spirited Away, The Lord of the Rings, or Pride & Prejudice—wasn't just entertainment or even "realistic" fiction, but myth in disguise? In this week's episode of the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast, we explore the mythic foundation…

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S17:E21: What's Happened to Modern Storytelling? (+ 6 Ways Storytelling Can Find Its Soul Again) 24:34

4M ago24:34

24:34

Feeling bored at the movies? Learn what's happened to modern storytelling and what it will take to restore the magic and emotional impact.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E20: Writing Better Character Conflicts With the 5 Conflict Management Styles 21:59

5M ago21:59

21:59

Here's how writers can apply the five conflict management styles to create richer, more realistic character conflicts in your fiction.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E19: The 5 Types of Scene Endings Every Writer Must Master 21:44

5M ago21:44

21:44

Discover the 5 types of scene endings—Yes, No, No But, and No And—and why one of them might be weakening your story's momentum.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E18: 7 Ways to Watch and Read More Intentionally 19:44

5M ago19:44

19:44

If writers don't consume stories with intention, who will? Here are 7 mindful habits to read more intentionally and get more from stories.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E17: What Makes a Story "Bad"? A Guide to Why Your Narrative Isn't Working 20:32

6M ago20:32

20:32

What makes a bad story? The answer may surprise you. Here's what really makes a story fail—and how to fix it.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E16: Why Intentional Storytelling Matters in an Era of AI and Algorithm-Driven Content 19:48

6M ago19:48

19:48

Intentional storytelling means making creative choices with purpose. Here's why that matters more than ever in an AI-driven content world.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E15: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 2 of 2) 16:27

7M ago16:27

16:27

Discover how to honor your character's history while crafting different character arcs for the same character in new stories.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E14: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 1 of 2) 17:11

7M ago17:11

17:11

Discover systems that can help you write different character arcs for the same character in your series. Keep stories interesting and unique!By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E13: Crafting Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights 34:09

8M ago34:09

34:09

Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E12: Using the Enneagram for Character Development: Avoiding Repetition for Lies Each Type Might Believe 23:59

8M ago23:59

23:59

Discover the unique lies each Enneagram subtype believes and how these shape their fears, desires, and character development in storytelling.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E11: The Most Dangerous Arc: Breaking Down the Corruption Character Arc 21:42

8M ago21:42

21:42

Unlock the intricacies of the Corruption Character Arc. Discover how fear, pride, and desire lead to a character's downfall.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E10: Writing a Fall Arc: How to Show a Character's Moral Decline 18:36

9M ago18:36

18:36

Writing a fall arc involves capturing characters' heartbreaking journeys. Discover techniques for depicting their moral decline.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:09: Disillusionment Arc in Storytelling: A Powerful Tool for Character Growth 19:26

9M ago19:26

19:26

Understand the Disillusionment Arc in storytelling, a powerful journey portraying human growth through confronting stark realities.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E08: How Writers Can Use the Four Stages of Knowing in Character Arcs 19:54

9M ago19:54

19:54

Explore the four stages of knowing in character arcs to understand transformation and enhance your storytelling skills.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E07: How to Make Your Fantasy World Feel Real: 6 Pillars of Organic Worldbuilding 23:20

10M ago23:20

23:20

From magic to government, discover the 8 key pillars of worldbuilding that will make your fantasy world feel real.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E06: Your Character's Three Choices: Character Goal Examples for Writers 18:47

10M ago18:47

18:47

Discover essential character goal examples for writers and learn how to craft compelling, multi-layered motivations using the "three choices."By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E05: 5 Proven Ways to Conquer Self-Doubt in Writing 20:01

11M ago20:01

20:01

Learn how to conquer self-doubt in writing and transform it into a driving force for growth and improvement.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E04: Exploring the Impact of AI on Fiction Writing: Opportunities and Challenges 22:55

11M ago22:55

22:55

Delve into the impact of AI on fiction writing. Explore the opportunities and concerns surrounding the incorporation of AI in creative work.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E03: The Writer's Road to Creative Burnout Recovery 23:47

11M ago23:47

23:47

Recover from creative burnout with these holistic strategies. Create space in your life to rebuild creativity and overcome writer's block.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E02: The Rules of Fiction: What They Are and What They're Not 19:08

12M ago19:08

19:08

Demystify the rules of fiction and learn how they empower storytelling. Discover how underlying structure enhances creative autonomy.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E01: Reflecting on 6 Life-Changing Lessons in 2024 24:29

1y ago24:29

24:29

Gain insights from life-changing lessons and intentions for growth in the new year. Explore the powerful connection between writing and life.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E42: Top 10 Books I Read in 2024 8:18

1y ago8:18

8:18

Discover the top 10 books of 2024. Dive into captivating fantasy novels and explore fascinating non-fiction works.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E41: Top 8 Lessons I've Learned as a Writer in 16 Years 30:47

1y ago30:47

30:47

Discover the top lessons I've learned as a writer. Gain insights and inspiration from my personal experiences as a career writer.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E40: The 5 Gift Rule for Writers at Christmas 9:10

1y ago9:10

9:10

Discover the 5 gift rule for writers this Christmas. Find sustainable and mindful gift ideas that will delight the writers in your life.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E39: Antagonist vs. Villain: What's the Difference? 16:39

1y ago16:39

16:39

Understanding the difference between antagonist vs. villain. Explore the complex dynamics that go beyond typical storytelling conventions.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E38: The 3 (Structurally) Most Important Characters 18:40

1y ago18:40

18:40

Explore the most important characters driving the narrative in a compelling story. Discover their motivations and how they impact outcome.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E37: Learn About the Different Types of POV (+Head-Hopping) 25:50

1y ago25:50

25:50

Discover the different types of Points of View (POV) in storytelling. Learn how to master narrative perspective for more engaging writing.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E36: The Resolution (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 12 of 12) 11:49

1y ago11:49

11:49

Discover the importance of the Resolution in storytelling. Learn how to bring closure to your story and leave readers with a final emotion.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E35: The Climax (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 11 of 12) 12:17

1+ y ago12:17

12:17

Crafting the perfect Climax for your novel is essential. Learn how to create tension, suspense, and unforgettable moments for your readers.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E34: The Third Plot Point (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 10 of 12) 15:49

1+ y ago15:49

15:49

Learn why the Third Plot Point is a vital turning point in your story structure. Understand how to set it up for a powerful ending.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E33: The Third Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 9 of 12) 17:14

1+ y ago17:14

17:14

Explore how to write an exciting and satisfying Third Act. Learn how to build an epic finale as your plot reaches its thrilling conclusion.By K.M. Weiland

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Episode 268 - Jared Cooney Horvath – The Best Way to Use Technology for Learning 34:19

1+ y ago34:19

34:19

On episode 268, Alexis Avila speaks to returning guest Jared Cooney Horvath.Our Guest:Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and author of the best-selling book Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick. Jared has conducted research and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard …

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S16:E32: How to Trust Yourself as a Writer (Not Relying on Advice Too Much) 24:07

1+ y ago24:07

24:07

Unleash your creativity and trust yourself as a writer. Discover how to overcome self-doubt and embrace your unique artistic voice.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E31: The Second Half of the Second Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 8 of 12) 15:38

1+ y ago15:38

15:38

Unleash the second half of the Second Act in your story. Explore how characters' decisions and inner growth drive the narrative.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E30: The Midpoint (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 7 of 12) 13:49

1+ y ago13:49

13:49

Uncover the power of the Midpoint in storytelling. Explore how this pivotal moment in the Second Act changes the paradigm of the story.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E29: The First Half of the Second Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 6 of 12) 14:59

1+ y ago14:59

14:59

Discover how to tackle the first half of the Second Act in your story with confidence. Learn valuable tips on structure and character.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E28: The Secret to Writing Strong Themes 27:11

1+ y ago27:11

27:11

Craft immersive stories by writing strong themes that resonate. Explore how to create narratives that connect with readers on a deeper level.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E27: The First Plot Point (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 5 of 12) 17:01

1+ y ago17:01

17:01

Uncover the power of the First Plot Point in storytelling. Learn how this seismic shift sets the stage for escalating tension and conflict.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E26: The Inciting Event (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 4 of 12) 18:20

1+ y ago18:20

18:20

Master the art of crafting a captivating Inciting Event in your story. Explore its significance and discover techniques to make it impactful.By K.M. Weiland

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S16:E25: The First Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 3 of 12) 18:57

1+ y ago18:57

18:57

Understand the importance of the First Act in story structure. Learn how the Hook, Inciting Event, and First Plot Point set up the plot.By K.M. Weiland