Best Doug McKenna Podcasts (2025)

1
276 | The Naked Gun Writers Doug Mand & Dan Gregor on Fearless Comedy and Trusting the Process 52:21

Play Pause

6d ago52:21

52:21

In this episode, THE NAKED GUN writers Doug Mand and Dan Gregor take us inside the making of one of the boldest studio comedies in years. They break down how they approached structure in a spoof film, why emotional arcs matter just as much as jokes, and how committing fully to the stupidest ideas can sometimes be the smartest choice. Doug and Dan t…

1
277 | Scriptnotes Hosts John August & Craig Mazin: The Craft Lessons That Matter Most 53:53

9h ago53:53

53:53

John August and Craig Mazin - hosts of the legendary Scriptnotes podcast - join us for a wide-ranging conversation inspired by their new book, Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters. We talk about why rigid structure can miss the point, how theme emerges from character, what fear and denial really l…

1
275 | How Holiday Movies Get Made (ft. Screenwriter Maggie Lane & Producer Eric Jarboe) 57:55

13d ago57:55

57:55

This week we’re celebrating one of our favorite genres: holiday movies! Screenwriter Maggie Lane (HOTEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS) and producer Eric Jarboe (FALLING FOR CHRISTMAS, THE PRINCESS SWITCH) join us to pull back the curtain on how Christmas films are conceived, pitched, developed, budgeted, and shot - sometimes in as little as 13 days. We dig into…

1
274 | Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Nobody): How to Craft Character and Action on the Page 58:38

20d ago58:38

58:38

In this episode, JOHN WICK creator Derek Kolstad joins us to break down how he crafts character-driven action on the page. Derek shares how he thinks about tone, rhythm, and world-building, why action is an extension of the hero’s journey, and the psychological tricks he uses to survive rewrites. We also dig into his collaborations with actors like…

1
273 | The Roots of Imposter Syndrome - Part 2 47:30

27d ago47:30

47:30

In Part 2 of our conversation with counselor and healer Madaline Blau, we move from understanding imposter syndrome to learning how to work with it in the body. Madaline guides us through grounding practices and shares a powerful 10-minute guided visualization designed to help you return to your truth, your courage, and the deeper steadiness beneat…

1
272 | The Roots of Imposter Syndrome - Part 1 39:19

1M ago39:19

39:19

In Part 1 of our deep dive into imposter syndrome, counselor and healer Madaline Blau helps us understand where creative insecurity really comes from - and why so many writers feel stuck between confidence and collapse. We unpack instinct, how insight shapes character and story, and the early experiences that form our creative identity. This episod…

1
271 | Melissa Rosenberg (Jessica Jones, Dexter): Finding Your Creative Center 50:25

1M ago50:25

50:25

Melissa Rosenberg - creator of JESSICA JONES, head writer of DEXTER, and screenwriter of the TWILIGHT films - joins Lorien to talk about what it takes to stay grounded as a storyteller. From building creative communities to rediscovering her artistic voice after decades in Hollywood, Melissa reflects on the evolving balance between ambition, authen…

1
270 | Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty): Writing Love, Longing & Coming of Age 42:14

1M ago42:14

42:14

Jenny Han - creator, showrunner, and bestselling author of THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY - joins Lorien to talk about the art of writing love, longing, and growing up. From balancing fandom expectations to crafting authentic emotion, Jenny shares how she translates deeply personal themes to the screen, keeps romantic tension alive over multiple season…

1
Don’t Let Your Ego Be Your Enemy 50:02

1M ago50:02

50:02

This episode was inspired by Ryan Holiday’s book, Ego is the Enemy, and its applications of Stoicism to modern ideas of leadership and management. With everything that’s going on in the United States as a backdrop, this episode reiterates the importance of focusing on service over receiving recognition, on cultivating humility, and leading with wis…

1
269 | Writing Horror with the Carved Creative Team (REBROADCAST) 1:16:26

2M ago1:16:26

1:16:26

With Halloween around the corner, we’re revisiting one of our favorite spooky episodes. Join us for a conversation with the team behind Hulu’s CARVED — director and co-writer Justin Harding, co-writer Cheryl Meyer, and star Peyton Elizabeth Lee — as they share how they brought their campy slasher film to life and what it takes to write really great…

1
268 | Where to Begin as a Screenwriter (REBROADCAST) 53:02

2M ago53:02

53:02

So you want to be a screenwriter… now what? In a rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes, we dig into the essential questions every writer should ask before jumping into a draft — questions that are just as valuable for seasoned pros as they are for those starting out. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorie…

1
267 | The Elevator Pitch + Austin Film Festival Prep Workshop (REBROADCAST) 1:31:11

2M ago1:31:11

1:31:11

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so With the Austin Film Festival coming up next week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes to help everyone attending get ready to share their stories! --- The Austin Film Festival is known for many things — but few are as legendary as its annual 90-Second Pitch Competition, where writers hav…

1
266 | Emmy-Winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) on the Myth of the “Big Break” 50:41

3M ago50:41

50:41

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Meg was already a fan of Jeff Hiller from his Emmy-winning performance in SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, but after listening to his moving and hilarious memoir Actress of a Certain Age, she fell completely in love with his honesty, humor, and heart. She knew she had to have him on the show — and we were deepl…

1
265 | KPop Demon Hunters Directors: Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans on Balancing Heart, Humor & Music 50:36

3M ago50:36

50:36

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so This week, we’re joined by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the writer-directors of KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, to unpack the craft behind one of the year's biggest movies. From finding the emotional core of their story to shaping "Golden" into a late-breaking "I Want" song, Maggie and Chris share how they…

1
Episode 810: Charlie Berens, Patrick Somerville, Phil Cook

3M ago

—

This week on "BETA,"we’ll chat with the one and only Charlie Berens and find out what so funny about bein’ from Wisconsin.Then we’ll chat with Green Bay’s own Patrick Summerville about his work on the HBO series Station 11.And we'll talk with Eau Claire native Phil Cook about how he and birds make music together on his album Appalachia Borealis.…

1
264 | Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I Am Legend, Star Trek): Turning Writing Into a Job (and a Life) 57:44

3M ago57:44

57:44

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so We’re thrilled to welcome Oscar-winner Akiva Goldsman for a masterclass on making writing sustainable. For Akiva, the real “tragedy” is living in the anxious space between drafts. His cure? Treat writing like a job: set hours, clock out, and commit to the work. Akiva unpacks his process – why a fir…

1
Episode 705: Demetri Martin, Priyanka Mattoo, Alexandra Tanner

3M ago

—

This week on BETA, comedian Demetri Martin deconstructs his Netflix special. Also, filmmaker Priyanka Mattoo tells all in her memoir, “Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones.” And Alexandra Tanner on her Seinfeldian debut novel, “Worry.”

1
263 | Feature Film Story Engine Checklist: 8 Elements to Turn a Situation Into a Movie (REBROADCAST) 1:10:12

3M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

Check out our premium TSL WORKSHOPS program here: https://tslworkshops.circle.so STORY ENGINE. Two words we so often dread, but let's be honest: the engine of your story is what POWERS your movie. It's make, or break. And today, we break down eight elements to test whether or not you are on your way to a feature film story engine that will take you…

1
Holding Doors 42:15

3M ago42:15

42:15

In this conversation with Dr. Cié Gee from the University of Texas at San Antonio we explore the idea of leadership through the roles of line leader and door holder–familiar responsibilities from elementary school. Dr. Gee argues that the door holder is a less glamorous but potentially more important role than the line leader, and we discuss ways d…

1
Indie Film Craft 5 | How a Celebrity-Free Microbudget Feature Premiered at SXSW (ft. GG Hawkins) 1:07:34

3M ago1:07:34

1:07:34

What does it take to make a celebrity-free, microbudget feature and premiere at one of the most competitive festivals in the world? Filmmaker and No Film School podcast host GG Hawkins joins Jeff to share how she turned a family house in Panama, a tiny team, and a three-month timeline into I REALLY LOVE MY HUSBAND, a breakout SXSW premiere with no …

1
Episode 810: Ottessa Moshfegh, Megan Abbott, Karen Russell

3M ago

—

We're revisiting conversations with some of our favorite authors. Ottessa Moshfegh will talk with us about her novel "My Year of Rest and Relaxation," and Megan Abbott will discuss writing for HBO's "The Deuce" and her novel, "Give Me Your Hand." Also, Karen Russell joins us to talk about her beautifully written book, The Antidote.…

1
Episode 216: Allow Me To Reconstruct This

4M ago

—

Noah Hawley, creator of the FX series, “Fargo” gives us the true story about adapting a masterpiece. Also, comedian Hari Kondabolu pulls the curtain back on his career and graphic […]

1
262 | Writing (and Directing) Intimate, Personal Films That Feel Cinematic (ft. Sorry, Baby's Eva Victor) 1:02:08

4M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so In this episode, Meg sits down with writer, actor, and filmmaker Eva Victor to discuss their debut feature, SORRY, BABY — a darkly funny, deeply personal story about friendship, trauma, and hope. They dig into how to make a personal story feel truly cinematic, both in the writing process and on set…

1
Episode 808: Bob Odenkirk, Christine McKenna, Charlie Brooker

4M ago

—

This week on "BETA," we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite TV and film personalities. Bob Odenkirk will join us to talk about his well-known character, Saul Goodman. And we’ll explore the creative and personal life of film director David Lynch with biographer Christine McKenna. Also, we’ll spend some time with Black Mirror creator Charli…

1
Indie Film Craft 4 | How to Make Your Script Undeniable to an Indie Producer (ft. Julie Waters) 56:17

4M ago56:17

56:17

Join TSL Workshops: tslworkshops.circle.so Every writer dreams of getting their script into the right hands — but what actually makes a producer want to fight for your project? This week, Jeff sits down with powerhouse indie producer Julie Waters (Watermark Media), fresh off producing OH, HI! — one of the few films sold at Sundance this year and no…

1
Episode 415: Shea Serrano, Anthony Bourdain, Alix Ohlin

4M ago

—

The one and only Shea Serrano talks about hip-hop…and other things. Also, writer and editor Laurie Woolever gives us an up-close and personal look at the life and career of […]

1
261 | Clarity, Subtext, and Want vs. Need: Kaz Firpo on Crafting Great Screenplays 1:18:49

4M ago1:18:49

1:18:49

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so In this episode, Meg and Lorien sit down with Kaz Firpo (Marvel’s ETERNALS, RUIN) to talk about the timeless craft lessons that make a great screenplay. From writing scenes that still land without sound, to creating emotional clarity on the page, Kaz shares why subtext is the secret engine of great…

1
What’s a Registrar Anyway, Revisited 32:34

4M ago32:34

32:34

In the very first official episode of this podcast, we explored the question of what even is a registrar. Now, with six more years of experience that included a global pandemic, it was time to once again take stock of our understanding of the role of the registrar. What do we do? And how do we explain what we do to people who work at our institutio…

1
Episode 807: Nick Lowe, Joe Boyd, Steven Hyden

4M ago

—

Today on BETA we’ll look back at some of our favorite music conversations featuring Musician Nick Lowe on his latest record, Producer and author Joe Boyd dives into world music with his book, “And The Roots of Rhythm Remain.” And Music critic Steven Hyden considers the cultural significance of Radiohead’s 2000 album, Kid A.…

1
Episode 308: Dwayne Kennedy, Hayao Miyazaki, Radiohead

4M ago

—

Dwayne Kennedy on his socially piercing, provocative comedy. Author Susan Napier tells us how animator Hayao Miyazaki creates his magical cinematic universes. And music critic Steven Hyden on how Radiohead’s […]

1
260 | From Barf Draft to Next Draft: 5 Steps to Take Now 1:02:58

4M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so In this episode, Meg and Lorien dive into a messy, magical stage of screenwriting: the barf draft — your first unfiltered pass at a script. They share how to tackle chaos on the page, whether your draft is too long, too short, tonally inconsistent (hello, surprise aliens!), or just plain confusing.…

1
Episode 723: Susan Morrison, Leah Kardos, Maggie Su

5M ago

—

Susan Morrison joins us to discuss her definitive biography of SNL creator Lorne Michaels.Author Leah Kardos tells us why Kate Bush’s album, “Hounds of Love,” is as fresh as ever 40 years after its release.Also, Maggie Su on her very funny and very moving debut novel,“Blob: A Love Story.”

1
259 | Costume As Character: What (& What Not) To Include in Your Screenplay (ft. Courtney Hoffman) 1:07:15

5M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Costume designer turned writer/director Courtney Hoffman has worked on some truly iconic films (THE HATEFUL EIGHT, BABY DRIVER) and beloved indies (CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, THE BOY NEXT DOOR). These experiences have profoundly shaped how she approaches storytelling, especially now that she’s writing and …

1
Episode 722: Clay McLeod Chapman, Paul de Jong, Karen Russell

5M ago

—

This week on "BETA," ...Master of horror, Clay McLeod Chapman joins us to discuss his latest novel, “Wake Up and Open Your Eyes.”And musician Paul de Jong talks to us about his captivating found sound music.Also, MacArthur Genius Karen Russell sits down with us to talk her about her incredible novel, “The Antidote,”…

1
258 | From Assistant to Executive Producer: Frida Perez on Co-Creating The Studio 57:05

5M ago57:05

57:05

Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Apple TV+’s THE STUDIO is both a razor-sharp satire and a surprisingly heartfelt love letter to Hollywood — born out of Seth Rogen’s own frustrations and empathy for studio executives. For co-creator Frida Perez, the show explores the spectrum between art and commerce, a balance that serves as a gu…

1
257 | Getting Repped in a Post-Strike Industry - Part 2 (ft. Daniela Gonzalez & Garrett Greer) 48:13

5M ago48:13

48:13

Join TSL Workshops: ⁠https://tslworkshops.circle.so⁠ In part two of this incredible conversation, literary managers Daniela Gonzalez (Good Fear Content) and Garrett Greer (Haven Entertainment) join us to unpack what “breaking in” looks like today. How do writers getting their second staffing job, what are some red flags we should avoid when repped,…

1
256 | Getting Repped in a Post-Strike Industry - Part 1 (ft. Daniela Gonzalez & Garrett Greer) 50:41

5M ago50:41

50:41

Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so In part one of a two-part conversation, literary managers Daniela Gonzalez (Good Fear Content) and Garrett Greer (Haven Entertainment) join us to unpack what “breaking in” looks like today. Even as the industry pulls back and fewer projects are greenlit, getting repped isn’t out of reach. In some w…

1
Hire the Best and Treat Them Well 51:50

5M ago51:50

51:50

Two very important functions we engage in as registrars are hiring and onboarding. Perhaps surprisingly, we don’t spend a lot of time talking about either of those very important practices. In this episode we discuss ways to improve the interviewing and hiring process for everyone involved, along with practical ways to bring your new hire into your…

1
Indie Film Craft 3 | How to Get Life Rights As an Indie Filmmaker (and Make the Biopic Indie Audiences Actually Want) ft. The Bragg Brothers 1:01:03

6M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so How do you turn a real-life moment into a movie — without studio backing or a big festival launch? Jeff talks with The Bragg Brothers about making PINBALL: THE MAN WHO SAVED THE GAME, an indie biopic about GQ journalist Roger Sharpe, who helped overturn New York’s ban on pinball in 1976. They share…

1
255 | From Finalist to Staffed: How Austin Film Festival Helped Us Break In (ft. Sylvia Batey Alcalá & Mac Smullen) 1:16:57

6M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

This week, we’re spotlighting two incredible TV writers whose journeys were meaningfully shaped by the Austin Film Festival. Sylvia Batey Alcalá (A MAN ON THE INSIDE, PRIMO) and Mac Smullen (SOUVENIR, ALASKA) share how AFF helped get their names out there —building momentum, sparking connections, and opening doors that had long felt closed. But a f…