Best The Writing Renegade Podcasts (2025)

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172. A New Kind of University 51:58

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4d ago51:58

51:58

Michael Crow is the president of Arizona State University, which U.S. News & World Report has called the most innovative school in the country for 11 years running. He tells Steve about why higher education needs to change, and how A.S.U. is leading the way. Plus: Steve has an announcement about the podcast. SOURCES: Michael Crow, president of Ariz…

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171. Measuring Pollution on Parallel Earths 56:01

18d ago56:01

56:01

Michael Greenstone knows it’s corny, but he wants to make the world a better place — by tracking the impact of air quality, developing pollution markets in India, and … starting a podcast, which Steve says proves he’s over the hill. SOURCES: Michael Greenstone, professor of economics at the University of Chicago. RESOURCES: "New evidence on the imp…

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Aaron Tait - Far Horizons: A Journey from War to Peace 43:54

18d ago43:54

43:54

In this episode Ky Garvey talks with Aaron Tate about his memoir Far Horizons, tracing his transformation from a young naval officer deployed after 9/11 to a humanitarian leader in Africa. Aaron discusses the trauma of war, the moral awakening that led him to pursue international development, the challenges of writing a raw memoir, and his hopes to…

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Suleika Jaouad’s Survival Mechanisms (Replay) 58:46

25d ago58:46

58:46

Suleika Jaouad was diagnosed with cancer at 22. She made her illness the subject of a New York Times column and a memoir, Between Two Kingdoms. She and Steve talk about what it means to live with a potentially fatal illness, how to talk to people who've gone through a tragedy, and ways to encourage medical donations. SOURCES: Suleika Jaouad, author…

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Paula McLean on Debut Novels, Fearless Press & The Stella Legacy 36:12

30d ago36:12

36:12

In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey speaks with Paula McLean about her debut novel, the inspiration behind publishing imprint Fearless Press (founded by her daughter Ginny Grant), and the importance of supporting women writers through prizes like the Stella Prize and the new Fearless Prize. They discuss the shift from memoir to fiction, …

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170. Finding the God Particle 59:10

1M ago59:10

59:10

Physicist and former pop star Brian Cox tells Steve about discovering the Higgs boson, having a number-one hit, and why particle physics research will almost certainly not create a black hole that destroys all life on earth. SOURCES: Brian Cox, physicist at the University of Manchester. RESOURCES: Black Holes: The Key to Understanding the Universe,…

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Christian White: The Long Night 51:44

1M ago51:44

51:44

Host Ky Garvey talks with novelist and screenwriter Christian White about his new book, The Long Night, his work adapting stories for screen, and his writing process. They cover character-driven storytelling, the writer’s room, and practical advice for aspiring writers. White also shares personal anecdotes—from the early days of submitting work and…

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169. Decoding the World’s First Writing 49:35

2M ago49:35

49:35

Irving Finkel is an expert on cuneiform — the oldest known writing system. He tells Steve the amazing story of how an ancient clay tablet unlocked the truth about Noah’s ark (and got Finkel in trouble with some Christians). SOURCES: Irving Finkel, curator in the department of the Middle East at the British Museum. RESOURCES: "How to write cuneiform…

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Is There a Fair Way to Divide Us? (Update) 1:00:06

2M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Moon Duchin is a math professor at the University of Chicago whose theoretical work has practical applications for voting and democracy. Why is striving for fair elections so difficult? SOURCES: Moon Duchin, professor of mathematics at Cornell University. RESOURCES: "Gerrymandering: The Origin Story," by Neely Tucker (Timeless: Stories from the Lib…

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Carla Salmon - Red Sands, Surf, Suspicion and Debut Success 48:23

2M ago48:23

48:23

.Host Ky Garvey speaks with debut author Carla Salmon about her coastal YA mystery set in a surf life‑saving club, Carla’s three‑year writing journey from teacher to published author, marketing and school‑workshop strategies, tackling imposter syndrome, encouraging teen readers (especially boys), and plans for future standalone teen mysteries. Carl…

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168. Chemistry, Evolved 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

Frances Arnold pioneered the process of directed evolution — mimicking natural selection to create new enzymes that have changed everything from agriculture to laundry. SOURCES: Frances Arnold, professor of chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. RESOURCES: "Innovation by Evolution: Bringing New Chemistry to Life," by Frances Arnold (N…

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Artist Anthology: Make Time 10:49

2M ago10:49

10:49

n this episode, Jennifer reads from her work "Make Time" that asks us to consider what we make time for. It paints a deeper description into the meaning of what it means to be a writer, why writing is a part of her life and who she is. smile :) www.jenniferbonaparte.com Support the show THE AMBASSADOR is now available for print-on-demand and Kindle…

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Carolyn Bourke on Dementia, Care and Creativity 38:17

2M ago38:17

38:17

Host Ky Garvey interviews Carolyn Bourke about her experience as a Chaplain and writer. They discuss Carolyn’s entry in the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Prize, her 10-year journey writing a novel about dementia, and the hopeful ‘garden’ strand that represents spiritual connection and reconciliation. The conversation covers lived experience with dement…

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167. The Secret of Humanity? It’s Common Knowledge. 58:45

2M ago58:45

58:45

Steven Pinker’s new book argues that all our relationships depend on shared assumptions and “recursive mentalizing” — our constant efforts to understand what other people are thinking. He and Steve talk about the psychology of eye contact, the particular value of Super Bowl ads, and what it’s like to get cancelled. SOURCES: Steven Pinker, professor…

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Nathan J Thomas - EK Books 38:51

3M ago38:51

38:51

Nathan J Thomas, General Manager of Exile Publishing and EK Books, discusses the company’s family history, the challenges of today’s publishing market, and how EK balances community-driven stories with commercial realities. He shares practical advice for authors—know your audience, follow picture-book structure, write your pitch in your own voice—a…

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How to Have Great Conversations (Update) 44:24

3M ago44:24

44:24

The Power of Habit author Charles Duhigg wrote his new book in an attempt to learn how to communicate better. Steve shares how the book helped him understand his own conversational weaknesses. SOURCES: Charles Duhigg, journalist and author. RESOURCES: Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, by Charles Duhigg (2024). "20…

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Artist Anthology: I Write 8:55

3M ago8:55

8:55

In this episode, Jennifer reads from her work "I Write" that paints a deeper description into the meaning of what it means to be a writer, why writing is a part of her life and who she is. smile :) www.jenniferbonaparte.com Support the show THE AMBASSADOR is now available for print-on-demand and Kindle at Amazon.com We're all looking for something.…

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166. The World’s Most Effective Public Health Intervention Is Under Attack 1:01:47

3M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

Seth Berkley used to run the world's largest vaccine funding organization. He and Steve talk about the incredible value of vaccines, the economics of immunizing the developing world, and the current attacks on public health. SOURCES: Seth Berkley, epidemiologist at Brown University School of Public Health. RESOURCES: "Trump Administration Ends Prog…

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Lorena Carrington & Sophie Masson: The Giant 52:45

3M ago52:45

52:45

In this episode Ky Garvey chats with author Sophie Masson and illustrator Lorena Carrington about the creation of their picture book The Giant — from the moment the idea struck on a walk, to collaborative illustration techniques, publisher relationships, and book launches. They discuss creative practice, handling rejection, school visits, practical…

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Bethany Loveridge: Inside Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer 1:03:09

3M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Bethany Loveridge joins Totally Lit to talk about her debut middle-grade novel, Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer — a time-travel adventure where a girl meets a young Edith Cowan and runs afoul of a timeline officer. She discusses the trilogy, the audiobook, and her publisher, Wombat Books. The conversation covers Bethany’s long path to publi…

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165. The Economist Who (Gasp!) Asks People What They Think 53:14

3M ago53:14

53:14

Stefanie Stantcheva’s approach seemed like career suicide. In fact, it won her the John Bates Clark Medal. She talks to fellow winner Steve Levitt about why she uses methods that most of the profession dismisses — and what she’s found that can’t be learned any other way. SOURCES: Stefanie Stantcheva, professor of political economy at Harvard Univer…

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Ben Hobson on Writing, Guilt and Creative Risk 58:32

3M ago58:32

58:32

Host Ky Garvey chats with author Ben Hobson about his unexpected path to becoming a writer — from punk bands and audiovisual work to university, short-story wins, and his published novels. They discuss research for The Death of John Lacey, collaborations, Ben’s Book Club, and the creative experiments that keep his work alive. The conversation also …

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Rick Rubin on How to Make Something Great (Update) 53:24

4M ago53:24

53:24

From recording some of the first rap hits to revitalizing Johnny Cash's career, the legendary producer has had an extraordinary creative life. In this episode he talks about his new book and his art-making process — and helps Steve get in touch with his own artistic side. SOURCES: Rick Rubin, music producer and record executive. RESOURCES: The Crea…

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164. Unravelling the Universe, Again 1:02:14

4M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

More than two decades ago, Adam Riess’s Nobel Prize-winning work fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe. His new work is reshaping cosmology for a second time. RESOURCES: Adam Riess, astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University. SOURCES: "The Nobel Prize Winner Who Thinks We Have the Universe All Wrong," by Ross Andersen (The Atlanti…

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Dr Helen Edwards on Writing Difference: Lighthouses, Selkies & Strength 38:24

4M ago38:24

38:24

Host Ky Garvey interviews author Helen Edwards about her Foreverability Award win for Legend of the Lighthouse Moon, a middle-grade novel featuring a main character with type 1 diabetes set in 1970. Helen shares how her own diagnosis informed the story, the emotional truths that remain the same across eras, and the importance of inclusion in childr…

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Artist Anthology: Circle of Life 10:19

4M ago10:19

10:19

Circle Of Life illustrates through poetry how healing the past can set you up for a beautiful future. Artist Anthology opens you up to the world of the artist and their work through breakdown and deeper understanding. Support the show THE AMBASSADOR is now available for print-on-demand and Kindle at Amazon.com We're all looking for something. Every…

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163. The Data Sleuth Taking on Shoddy Science 56:25

4M ago56:25

56:25

Uri Simonsohn is a behavioral science professor who wants to improve standards in his field — so he’s made a sideline of investigating fraudulent academic research. He tells Steve Levitt, who's spent plenty of time rooting out cheaters in other fields, how he does it. SOURCES: Uri Simonsohn, professor of behavioral science at Esade Business School.…

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Sally Rippin - Hook into Books 27:11

4M ago27:11

27:11

SALLY RIPPIN As the current Australian Children's Laureate (2024-2025), Sally is travelling around the country and internationally to chat about the ways we can share stories and support children who might struggle to read. Sally writes stories with heart and characters that resonate with children, parents, and teachers alike. Her widely popular bo…

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Arne Duncan Says All Kids Deserve a Chance — and Criminals Deserve a Second One (Update) 46:11

5M ago46:11

46:11

Former U.S. Secretary of Education, 3x3 basketball champion, and leader of an anti-gun violence organization are all on Arne’s resume. He’s also Steve’s neighbor. The two talk about teachers caught cheating in Chicago public schools and Steve shares a story he’s never told Arne, about a defining moment in the educator’s life. SOURCES: Arne Duncan, …

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Josh Langley: Re-Release 33:00

5M ago33:00

33:00

In memory of Josh Langley - a wonderful contributor to the kidlit community, a fantasic writer and a very special person. You will be missed Josh. Josh was amongst my very first top ten guests on Totally Lit. I was so grateful for his support for my emerging podcast. Special Guest: Totally Lit's host Ky chats with Josh Langley, on his writing caree…

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Catriona McKeown - Winning Against All Odds: The Rollercoaster of 'Good Luck and Other Lies' 44:49

5M ago44:49

44:49

Welcome to the latest episode of Totally Lit, where we dive deep into the world of young adult literature with author Catriona McKeown. In this engaging conversation, Catriona shares insights into her recent releases, including the intriguing 'Good Luck and Other Lies', a story about teenagers navigating financial hardships and the ethical quandari…

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162. Will We Solve the Climate Problem? 57:56

5M ago57:56

57:56

Kate Marvel spends her days playing with climate models, which she says are “like a very expensive version of The Sims.” As a physicist she gets tired of being asked to weigh in on economics, geopolitics, and despair — but she still defends the right of scientists to have strong feelings about the planet. SOURCES: Kate Marvel, climate scientist and…

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Angie Cui 53:35

5M ago53:35

53:35

Join host Ky Garvey on this episode of Totally Lit as she embarks on a fascinating conversation with author Angie Cui. Explore Angie's journey into the world of children's literature, where maps tell more than just geographical stories. Angie shares the inspirations and challenges behind her latest picture book, 'Our Map,' which follows two curious…

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161. How to Captivate an Audience 48:48

5M ago48:48

48:48

Twenty years ago, before the Freakonomics book tour, Bill McGowan taught Steve Levitt to speak in public. In his new book he tries to teach everyone else. SOURCES: Bill McGowan, founder and C.E.O. of Clarity Media Group. RESOURCES: Speak, Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience, by Bill McGowan (2025). "Sheryl Sandberg Gives UC Berkeley Comme…

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Annie Duke Thinks You Should Quit (Update) 48:25

6M ago48:25

48:25

Former professional poker player Annie Duke wrote a book about Steve’s favorite subject: quitting. They talk about why quitting is so hard, how to do it sooner, and why we feel shame when we do something that’s good for us. SOURCES: Annie Duke, author and former professional poker player. RESOURCES: Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, by …

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Jenny Valentish: The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House 36:34

6M ago36:34

36:34

Welcome to another episode of Totally Lit, where we explore the world of reading, writing, and literature. In this episode, host Ky Garvey welcomes Jenny Valentish, journalist and memoir writer. Jenny discusses her latest book, 'The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House', which offers practical advice for introverts, the socially awkward, and soci…

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160. How to Help Kids Succeed 1:00:09

6M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Psychologist David Yeager thinks the conventional wisdom for how to motivate young people is all wrong. His model for helping kids cope with stress is required reading at Steve’s new high school. SOURCES: David Yeager, professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. RESOURCES: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Ground…

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159. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Manifesto for a Gift Economy 57:16

6M ago57:16

57:16

She’s a botanist, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and the author of the bestselling Braiding Sweetgrass. In her new book she criticizes the market economy — but she and Steve find a surprising amount of common ground. SOURCES: Robin Wall Kimmerer, botanist and founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. RES…

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Rachel Jackson: Solve Your Way Book Series - Interactive Adventures Unveiled 29:42

6M ago29:42

29:42

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Totally Lit, where host Ky Garvey sits down with Rachel Jackson, the creative mind behind the unique 'Solve Your Way' book series for children. This episode dives into how Rachel blends storytelling with interactivity, offering young readers the chance to choose their own adventure. Her books, such as 'Escape fro…

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Does Death Have to Be a Death Sentence? (Update) 42:22

6M ago42:22

42:22

Palliative physician B.J. Miller asks: Is there a better way to think about dying? And can death be beautiful? SOURCES: B.J. Miller, palliative-care physician and President at Mettle Health. RESOURCES: A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death, by Shoshana Berger and B.J. Miller and (2019). “After A Freak Acci…

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Danielle Binks - Chapters for Change 47:54

7M ago47:54

47:54

In this episode of "Totally Lit," host Ky Garvey is joined by Danielle Binks, an acclaimed writer, teacher, and literary agent. Danielle shares insights into her latest book, "Six Summers of Tash and Leopold," a middle-grade novel exploring themes of friendship and school anxiety. The conversation delves into the importance of empathy in literature…

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158. Why Did Rome Fall — and Are We Next? 55:24

7M ago55:24

55:24

Historian Tom Holland narrowly escaped a career writing vampire novels to become the co-host of the wildly popular podcast The Rest Is History. At Steve’s request, he compares President Trump and Julius Caesar and explains why the culture wars are arguments about Christian theology. SOURCES: Tom Holland, historian and host of The Rest is History. R…

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157. The Deadliest Disease in Human History 1:05:19

7M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

John Green returns to the show to talk about tuberculosis — a disease that kills more than a million people a year. Steve has an idea for a new way to get treatment to those in need. SOURCES: John Green, best-selling author and YouTube creator. RESOURCES: Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection, by John Gr…

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Abraham Verghese Thinks Medicine Can Do Better (Update) 46:59

7M ago46:59

46:59

Abraham Verghese is a physician and a best-selling author — in that order, he says. He explains the difference between curing and healing, and tells Steve why doctors should spend more time with patients and less with electronic health records. SOURCES: Abraham Verghese, professor of medicine at Stanford University and best-selling novelist. RESOUR…

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156. A Solution to America’s Gun Problem 59:24

8M ago59:24

59:24

Jens Ludwig has an idea for how to fix America’s gun violence problem — and it starts by rejecting conventional wisdom from both sides of the political aisle. SOURCES: Jens Ludwig, professor of economics at the University of Chicago and director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab. RESOURCES: Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of America…

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155. Helping People Die 54:57

8M ago54:57

54:57

Ellen Wiebe is a physician who helps seriously ill patients end their lives in Canada, where assisted suicide is legal. Is death a human right? SOURCES: Ellen Wiebe, clinical professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia. RESOURCES: "The Last Decision by the World’s Leading Thinker on Decisions," by Jason Zweig (The Wall Street Journa…

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Yul Kwon: “Don't Try to Change Yourself All at Once.” (Update) 44:49

8M ago44:49

44:49

He has been a lawyer, an instructor at the F.B.I. Academy, the owner of a frozen-yogurt chain, and a winner of the TV show Survivor. Today, Kwon works at Google, but things haven’t always come easily for him. Steve Levitt talks to Kwon about his debilitating childhood anxieties, his compulsion to choose the hardest path in life, and how Kwon used g…

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154. Can Robots Get a Grip? 57:52

9M ago57:52

57:52

Ken Goldberg is at the forefront of robotics — which means he tries to teach machines to do things humans find trivial. SOURCES: Ken Goldberg, professor of industrial engineering and operations research at U.C. Berkeley. RESOURCES: "The Bitter Lesson," by Rich Sutton (UT Austin, 2019). R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots): A Fantastic Melodrama in Th…

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Megan Dalla-Camina: Empowering Women - 'Women Rising' 37:51

9M ago37:51

37:51

In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey sits down with Megan Dalla-Camina, founder of the Women Rising company and author of the inspiring book "Women Rising." Megan shares her insight into women's leadership and empowerment, discussing the platforms and movements that strive to help women in their personal and professional lives. With decad…

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153. We’re Not Getting Sicker — We’re Overdiagnosed 1:03:45

9M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Suzanne O'Sullivan is a neurologist who sees many patients with psychosomatic disorders. Their symptoms may be psychological in origin, but their pain is real and physical — and the way we practice medicine, she argues, is making those and other health problems worse. SOURCES: Suzanne O'Sullivan, neurologist and author of The Age of Diagnosis How O…