Best Write Stories Their Readers Will Love Podcasts (2025)

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Bridesmaids 1:03:22

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8m ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Vanessa Zoltan and Carvell Wallace meet in Milwaukee to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Bridesmaids. This week we discuss female friendship, class politics, and The Hangover. We finish the episode by calling Nick Marx to talk to us about how SNL movies get made. --- Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our…

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8.24 Roopa Kudva: The Anti-Formula Leader; Write Your Own Playbook! 51:30

4h ago51:30

51:30

You don't need a playbook to become a leader, your instincts are your guide. In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Roopa Kudva, author of Leadership Beyond the Playbook, joins Tara to challenge the formulaic approach to leadership. Instead of giving you a 10-step plan, Roopa hands the steering wheel to you. They dive into why true leadership can…

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Dreams and Determination: The Making of a Children's Book Series 1:04:48

6h ago1:04:48

1:04:48

The primary focus of this podcast episode is a comprehensive discussion with Stenetta Anthony, the author of "Ella Learns to Dance," as she elucidates her journey into children's literature. Throughout our dialogue, we delve into the significance of being a children's book author, particularly reflecting on Stenetta's extensive experience as an edu…

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#223. Permission to Start: How to Move Past ‘Not Ready Yet’ and Finish Your Novel 15:20

13h ago15:20

15:20

Discover why “I’m not ready yet” is a fear-driven mindset and learn how to take small, confident steps that move your novel forward. So many writers get trapped in the feeling that they need more time, more research, or more clarity before they can truly start their first draft. And on the surface, that sounds reasonable. But most of the time, “I’m…

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Embrace the Weird || Frank L. Cole on Writing, Publishing, and The Legend of the Last Library 50:27

1d ago50:27

50:27

Imagine a future where paper is treasure, stories arrive in seconds, and the cliff notes are all you ever get. That uneasy thrill sparked Frank L. Cole’s The Legend of the Last Library—and it’s the thread we pull on as we dig into speed, meaning, and the quiet power of reading the long way. Frank shares how an impatient moment with AirPods became a…

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The Holdovers: a rare gem 30:47

2d ago30:47

30:47

This is storytelling at its finest. We could study it to learn about almost any aspect of writing, but this week, Melanie and I are highlighting the complexity and nuance of the main character. He's a passive character, which makes for an especially interesting study of both the hero's monologue and the shadow. If you've not seen THE HOLDOVERS yet,…

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The Best Man 50:56

3d ago50:56

50:56

Vanessa Zoltan and Dr. Simone Drake meet at an NYC bachelor party to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Best Man. This week we discuss Black movies of the 90s, the Moynihan Report, and movie soundtracks. We finish the episode by calling Tyler D. Parry to talk to us about jumping the broom. --- Hot and Bothered is a Not So…

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8.23 Amish Tripathi: The Day-to-Day of a Bestselling Author 37:32

3d ago37:32

37:32

Ever wondered what it takes to go from crunching numbers to creating worlds that millions of readers dive into? In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Amish Tripathi shares the ups, downs, and behind-the-scenes of his journey from the 9-to-5 grind to bestselling author. From juggling a full-time job while writing Immortals of Meluha, to being one…

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Unearthing Grandma's Mystery Surprise Box: A Journey into Children's Books 1:02:02

7d ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Jeanne Dill Svobodny, an accomplished children's book author, joins us to discuss her latest literary work, "Grandma's Mystery Surprise Box." This engaging episode delves into the journey of becoming a children’s author, particularly highlighting the evolution of Jeanne’s writing process from her first book, "Annie's Fourth of July," to her current…

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#222. 3 Mindset Shifts Every Writer Needs to Finish Their Novel 24:31

8d ago24:31

24:31

Discover the mindset shifts to break out of analysis paralysis, choose progress over perfection, and build your novel layer by layer until it's complete. Feeling stuck writing your novel? You're not alone. Most writers think they're struggling because they don't have enough time, talent, or discipline. But more often than not, the real issue is act…

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Tar: writing nuanced characters 26:15

9d ago26:15

26:15

If you are writing a villain’s POV in your story, this episode is for you. Lydia Tar is a villain but she’s also the protagonist of the story. Quite simply: villain + protagonist = anti-hero. The slow reveal of Tar’s shadow is a masterclass in writing a villain POV. You could start off with an evil villain and maintain that line in your story, but …

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Ending Of: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 30:05

10d ago30:05

30:05

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. They continue to discuss the movie's relationship to 'tackiness' as well as the promised future for Ian and Toula's daughter. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --- If we give you butterfl…

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Creating Connections: The Impact of Joy in the Big Balloon Catastrophe 1:08:08

14d ago1:08:08

1:08:08

Shannon Turske, a newly minted children's book author, shares her inspiring journey in this episode, highlighting the release of her debut work, *Joy in the Big Balloon Catastrophe*. Shannon reflects on the profound significance of her role as a children's book author, emphasizing the importance of fostering resilience in young readers through enga…

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8.22 Apekshit Khare: Guess What? You Actually Do Have Time! 42:36

14d ago42:36

42:36

Ever wished you had an extra hour each day? (Spoiler: you don’t need one!) In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara chats with Apekshit Khare, HR professional and author of The Time Energy Toolkit, about why the problem isn’t our 24 hours, it’s how we use our energy. Apekshit breaks down the very real time struggles we face in India, from social e…

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#221. 5 Line Editing Tips to Make Your Prose Shine 26:02

15d ago26:02

26:02

Discover five practical line editing strategies that sharpen your prose, strengthen emotional clarity, and make each sentence more purposeful on the page. Line editing can feel intimidating, especially if you're not sure where to begin or how to make meaningful improvements at the sentence level. And if you've ever tried refining lines before your …

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Dial M For Murder: unlikeable characters 24:15

16d ago24:15

24:15

If you're curious about how to handle unlikeable protagonists, this episode is for you! In Hitchcock's classic, DIAL M FOR MURDER, the protagonist is the villain — he plots the murder of his wife, and that's about as unlikeable as it gets! His anti-hero's monologue is a veritable masterclass and his shadow reveals that he's actually kind of a nice …

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My Big Fat Greek Wedding 1:04:15

17d ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at Dancing Zorbas to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about My Big Fat Greek Wedding. This week we discuss Canadian multiculturalism, "tackiness", and the cultural construction of whiteness. We finish the episode by calling Susan Katz Miller to talk to us about interfaith families. --- H…

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8.21 Volga & Purnima: On Why Mythological Women Deserve More 1:03:15

17d ago1:03:15

1:03:15

How does mythology change when we look at them through women’s lives? In this episode, Tara chats with P. Lalita Kumari, also known as Volga, one of the most influential feminist voices in Indian literature, and Purnima Rao, the translator of On the Banks of the Pampa, Volga’s retelling of Shabari’s story from the Ramayana. Volga shares how the ide…

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Unveiling the Journey of a Rescue Dog: From Texas to North of the Border 1:18:27

21d ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Episode 58: Unveiling the Journey of a Rescue Dog: From Texas to North of the Border The salient point of this podcast discussion centers around Judy McGee's profound journey into children's literature, specifically through her book, "Penny Girl's Rescue." This narrative serves not only as a tale of a rescue dog but also as a platform for advocatin…

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#220. How to Build an Author Platform (Even if You're an Introvert) with Shelby Leigh 33:07

22d ago33:07

33:07

Learn how to build a focused, authentic author platform to connect with readers early, grow your visibility, and create lasting momentum for your book launch. In this episode, I’m joined by Shelby Leigh, bestselling author of four poetry books (with over 60,000 copies sold!) and the founder of Marketing by Shelby, where she's helped more than 8,000…

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The Incredibles: storytelling gold 29:29

23d ago29:29

29:29

The villain isn’t a stand in for the hero’s shadow. The villain is a warning to the hero if the hero doesn't learn to integrate their shadow. The Incredibles is storytelling gold and a very clear example of the role of the villain and hero plus their relationship to the hero’s shadow. Of course, every good superhero movie needs a hero’s monologue a…

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Ending Of: The Wedding Planner 32:22

26d ago32:22

32:22

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Wedding Planner. They discuss Matthew McConaughey's masculinity, the role of dancing in the movie, and the how important it is to wear a helmet. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --- If we give you butterflies…

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Exploring Food Safety Through Children's Literature: A Tasty Take 1:02:54

24d ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Episode 56: Exploring Food Safety Through Children's Literature: A Tasty Take The episode features a profound exploration of the intersection between children’s literature and food safety, as we engage with Jessica McAnelly, the author of "Birdie's Picnic: A Tasty Take on Food Safety." Jessica shares her journey of becoming a children's book author…

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#219. How To Build Story Tension by Sharing More (Not Less) with Daniel David Wallace 30:01

29d ago30:01

30:01

Discover why clarity (not secrecy) is the key to keeping your readers engaged, curious, and emotionally invested in your story. Writers often think suspense means withholding information, but what if the opposite were true? In this episode, I'm joined by Daniel David Wallace, author, writing teacher, and founder of the annual Escape the Plot Forest…

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The Proposal: writing dual protagonist stories 21:42

1M ago21:42

21:42

If you're writing a dual protagonist story, a story with multiple plot lines or a romance, this episode is for you! After the spookiness of last week's episode, I thought we are all due for a feel-good, positive juju kinda movie. What better choice than THE PROPOSAL? Enjoy! -V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses …

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The Wedding Planner 1:00:51

1M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at an outdoor movie in Golden Gate Park to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Wedding Planner. This week we discuss the leading man's declaration of love, anxieties particular to the early 2000s, and Lauren Berlant's concept of Cruel Optimism. We finish the episode by calling Kar…

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8.20 Gardiner Harris: On The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson 54:31

1M ago54:31

54:31

What dangerous secrets lie beneath the "comforting newborn smell" of one of the most trusted companies in the world? In this explosive episode, Pulitzer Prize-nominated NYT journalist Gardiner Harris pulls back the curtain on Johnson & Johnson's history, detailed in his book No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. Gardiner reveals J&J…

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From Grandfather's Inspiration to Children's Book Publication: The Galloping Frog 1:22:19

1M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

Cerys Thompson, Episode 56: From Grandfather's Inspiration to Children's Book Publication: The Galloping Frog Cerys Thompson, a recently published children's book author, shares her profound journey in creating "The Galloping Frog," a narrative imbued with personal significance and whimsical charm. Central to our discussion is the exploration of wh…

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#218. How to Find & Work With Beta Readers to Improve Your Manuscript 26:52

1M ago26:52

26:52

Learn how to work with beta readers in a grounded, calm way so feedback feels useful, not overwhelming. You're nearing the finish line of your first draft, or maybe you've just crossed it. Either way, the question is the same… what happens next? Should you send it to friends? Hire an editor? Bury it in a drawer? Everyone keeps mentioning “beta read…

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1.12 Story in non-fiction 5:19

1M ago5:19

5:19

Story is a powerful way to bring your concepts, ideas and process to life. In Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod and Start with Why by Simon Sinek, story forms the foundation of the books. Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is a story used to illustrate a lesson about wisdom and life's journey. Consider your life and work experience to give your book authentic…

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1.11 Structure is a Non-Fiction writer's friend 6:55

1M ago6:55

6:55

Many writers feel that a structure would 'put them in a box' and limit their creativity. But it can also lead to overwhelm and giving up. Once you have a structure that takes your reader from A to B, you have a book that will be easier to read and will also be loads more fun to write.By Dawn A Denton

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The Substance: ewwwww! 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

You need to read stories you don’t like. Yep, it’s true. This week I put my body on the line and I forced myself (and Valerie - so sorry, please forgive me) to watch The Substance. I don’t read, watch, or listen to horror, but there are times when I need to go outside my comfort zone to learn more about the craft. My topic this season is The Shadow…

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Ending Of: My Best Friend's Wedding 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of My Best Friend's Wedding. They interrogate the constraints of monogamy and introduce a new segment to the show where they ask 'does this movie hate women?' Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --- If we give you butt…

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Exploring the Artistry of Children's Literature Through Tongue Twisters 1:15:12

1M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

Su Murley, Episode 54: Exploring the Artistry of Children's Literature Through Tongue Twisters The primary focus of this podcast episode is the profound journey of Su Murley, a children's book author, as she discusses her latest book, "Shirley Murley," from the beloved Shirley Murley series. In our conversation, we delve into the inspirations that …

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#217. Save the Cat! Writes Horror: How to Write Truly Terrifying Stories With Jamie Nash 48:13

1M ago48:13

48:13

Ever wonder why some horror stories linger in your mind long after the lights go out? Jamie Nash reveals how structure (not jump scares or gore) creates true terror. In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Nash, screenwriter and author of Save the Cat! Writes Horror, the ultimate guide to creating “Monster in the House” stories that keep readers up at…

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1.10 Your book's purpose 4:20

1M ago4:20

4:20

Ask yourself: "What do I want my book to do in the world?" Your answer will be your compass as you write your book.By Dawn A Denton

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1.9 Who are you writing for? 4:35

1M ago4:35

4:35

Writing for everyone never works. When you decide on your Ideal Reader - the person who you want to reach, inspire, support with your book, you get clarity AND your Ideal Reader will feel they have been heard, seen and understood. Give your Ideal Reader a name, and make it more fun!By Dawn A Denton

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1.8 The Difference between Topics and Messages 5:19

1M ago5:19

5:19

The topic of your book is just that - where your book would sit in the bookshop or what category it would be listed in on Amazon. But the message, the CORE MESSAGE, is what will make your reader remember you, speak about your book and refer their friends to it.By Dawn A Denton

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8.19 Pushkar Anand: You're Manifesting All Wrong (And Here's Why) 50:38

1M ago50:38

50:38

Can a vision board help you design your dream life? In this episode, Pushkar Anand, author of Manifest Your Infinite Riches and founder of the Centre for Infinite Riches, discusses what it truly means to manifest the life you want, beyond material wealth. Pushkar shares his journey from a corporate career to pursuing an MBA at Cambridge and foundin…

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The Inklings for a GREAT Story || J. D. Peabody and The Inkwell Chronicles 43:22

2M ago43:22

43:22

What makes a good story—and what keeps a writer going after years of rejection? In this episode of "A Literal Journey," host Seth Adam Smith sits down with J.D. Peabody, author of "The Inkwell Chronicles," to explore the deeper themes behind his beloved series. Together, they discuss the influence of C.S. Lewis, the role of faith and belief in stor…

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Backdraft: yes, but why? 27:44

1M ago27:44

27:44

How does your reader know why your protagonist does what she does? This seemingly minor detail is one of the most important parts of your story and the way you let the reader know about it is through the hero's monologue. What aspect of your protagonist is hidden from her, from your reader, or both? If you want to create a main character with dimen…

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My Best Friend's Wedding 1:02:05

2M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

It's time for our next mini-series of Hot and Bothered, all about The Wedding Industrial Complex. Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up on a Chicago River tour to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about My Best Friend's Wedding. This week we return to our on-going conversation about post-feminism – can a woman in the 90s trul…

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The Cowboy Roper and Comedian: Introducing Will Rogers to a New Generation Through Children's Literature 1:08:23

2M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

The focal point of this podcast episode revolves around the life and legacy of Will Rogers, as articulated by the esteemed children’s book author and educator, Bart Taylor, affectionately known as Buckaroo Bart. With a profound dedication to making history accessible and engaging for children, we delve into his series of children's books that illum…