Best You Can T Be Serious Podcasts (2025)

1
Smart Pre-Order Strategies for Authors Who Have Little or No Following 42:36

Play Pause

3h ago42:36

42:36

In this episode we dig into a practical, 30-day pre-order plan built for writers with small followings (or no following), limited time, and a whole lot of heart. No fluff, no clickbait—just smart moves that create real curiosity and guide readers toward a confident yes on release day. We start by reframing pre-orders for small platforms: you’re not…

1
The difficulty of delirium diagnosis, the lack of agency in the 10 year plan, and Gaza wounds 44:16

2d ago44:16

44:16

By The BMJ

1
Trophy Hunting for Authors: The World of Book Awards 17:29

7d ago17:29

17:29

Book awards can transform your author platform, yet they remain one of the most overlooked marketing opportunities for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're traditionally published or self-published, these accolades are more accessible than you might think—and they pack a powerful promotional punch. When your book displays an awar…

1
Episode 0.9 - Teaser Episode Timeshare Shakedown 7:22

6d ago7:22

7:22

This episode is a taste of what one can expect from our show ahead of our premiere on October 29th. While we talk about messaging our show veers off into other unexpected areas when we tape our program. In this short episode teaser, we discuss a promotional flier Lud found about a dinner event on how to win the battle over irritable bowel disease b…

1
Navigating Kindle Unlimited's Page Read Decline 30:06

14d ago30:06

30:06

The growing chorus of authors reporting mysterious declines in their Kindle Unlimited page reads has sparked anxiety throughout the indie publishing community. But before you panic about your own KU numbers, this episode dives deep into what's really happening behind the scenes. Penny and Amy explore the multifaceted reasons behind fluctuating page…

1
Doctors still have questions about the UK's assisted dying bill 38:05

16d ago38:05

38:05

In today’s episode: Assisted Dying moves closer to becoming UK law. The proposed legislation to allow people to end their own lives has moved through a second debate in the House of Lords. What do MPs and doctors think of the Bill as it stands? And, new ways to pull research findings from observation alone makes us question whether correlation real…

1
Hook, Line, and Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch 33:41

21d ago33:41

33:41

Ever wondered why some books get noticed while others gather dust? The secret might be simpler than you think: a powerful elevator pitch. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy reveal how one author transformed her fortunes at a writers' conference by crafting a compelling elevator pitch – going from zero interest to landing both an agent and a…

1
The Hollywood Blueprint: Creating a Film-Ready Book 33:05

28d ago33:05

33:05

Could your book be the next big streaming hit? Before you start dreaming of red carpets and Hollywood premieres, there's a reality check you need to hear. While Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other platforms are constantly hunting for fresh content, the journey from page to screen involves far more strategy than most authors realize. This candid conver…

1
Starvation in Gaza is a multi-generational disaster 36:45

29d ago36:45

36:45

In today’s episode: Rethinking how we measure the harm caused by the arms industry The life long, and multigenerational, impact of starvation in Gaza What is the appropriate focus on prevention in general practice? The BMJ's international editor, Jocalyn Clark talks about a new series we've just published - examining the arms industry as a commerci…

1
The Great Author Central Lockout: Amazon's Latest Frustration 24:09

1M ago24:09

24:09

Navigating Amazon's constantly shifting landscape is challenging enough for authors, but now there's a new frustration to contend with. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy tackle the latest Amazon Author Central crisis that's preventing authors from updating crucial marketing content on their profiles. Penny and Amy present the issue, as wel…

1
Your Newsletter Is Worth More Than Your Social Media Followers 48:16

1M ago48:16

48:16

Have you been neglecting the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal? Your email newsletter provides something social media simply cannot—a direct line to readers without algorithm interference. Many authors resist starting newsletters because they believe they don't have enough subscribers or content ideas. This mindset creates a significant…

1
Goodreads Evolution: Amazon's Game-Changing Integration 38:53

2M ago38:53

38:53

Amazon has finally unleashed the full potential of its Goodreads acquisition, and savvy authors should be paying close attention. After years of minimal integration, Amazon has introduced a game-changing feature that transforms the Goodreads "Want-to-Read" shelf from a simple bookmarking tool into a powerful sales catalyst. When readers browse Amaz…

1
CRISPR, stemcell banking, and a football world cup 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

CRISPR technology has revolutionised biological research, and for the first time it’s out of the lab and into the NHS, as NICE has approved its use as cost effective. Kenneth Charles, senior lecturer in haematology at the University of the West Indies explains how the treatment works, and what concerns he has about it's implementation. Also this we…

1
Broke the Marketing Bank But No Sales? Here's Why! 5:53

2M ago5:53

5:53

Ever wonder why your marketing efforts aren't translating to book sales? The answer might be simpler than you think. Marketing and sales are often used interchangeably in the publishing world, but they're fundamentally different beasts. This distinction isn't just semantic—it's crucial for your success and sanity as an author. When you confuse thes…

1
The Amazon Sledgehammer: How One Author Lost Everything Over Metadata 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

What would you do if your entire author career disappeared overnight? That's exactly what happened to one unfortunate writer who shared their devastating experience on Reddit—all 30 of their books, representing four years of work and a significant portion of their income, vanished without warning when Amazon banned their account. The shocking part?…

1
Your Book Isn't Enough: How to Develop a Platform Media Responds To 35:41

2M ago35:41

35:41

Gone are the days when simply having a book positioned you as a media-worthy expert. Modern journalists, podcasters, and TV producers have become increasingly selective, requiring authors to demonstrate substantiated expertise, professional credentials, and the ability to deliver value beyond what's already available. Your book should complement yo…

1
The pitfalls of home test kits 27:58

2M ago27:58

27:58

If you’ve been in a high street pharmacy or supermarket recently, chances are you’ll have seen home test kits for all sorts of indications; blood sugar level, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid function, and even some forms of cancer. A new series of article in The BMJ revealing serious concerns with the reliability of these home tests, and raises quest…

1
Selling Cats to Dog People: Your Amazon Ad Comedy of Errors 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

Ever felt like you're throwing money into the Amazon advertising abyss with nothing to show for it? You're not alone—and the problem might be simpler than you think. When your Amazon ads aren't performing, it's rarely about bad ad copy or poor bidding strategies. The real culprit is usually genre confusion: putting your book in front of the wrong r…

1
The Future for Physician Associates? | Prof. Gillian Leng 52:53

3M ago52:53

52:53

Professor Gillian Leng, President of the Royal Society of Medicine was asked to carry out an independent review into the role of physician and anaesthetic associates. She sits down with Kamran Abbasi, editor in chief of The BMJ, to discuss her findings. In the UK, the rollout of physician associates, NHS staff who took on some of the tasks of docto…

1
Is Funny Hanks > Serious Hanks?, "The Burbs" (1989) 1:10:52

3M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Join us as we dive into the quirky world of "The Burbs," the 1989 comedy-horror film starring Tom Hanks. We explore its cult following, the suburban paranoia it humorously critiques, and the memorable performances that make it a timeless classic. Important question, did Tom Hanks break our timeline when he went from comedies to dramas? 00:00 - Intr…

1
Christmas in July: Why Authors Need to Prep Now for Holiday Sales 17:36

3M ago17:36

17:36

The holiday season represents a golden opportunity for authors to boost book sales—but only for those who start planning early enough. In this strategic episode, we dig into why "Christmas in July" isn't just a retail concept but a vital timeframe for authors who want holiday marketing success. We reveal the shocking truth about holiday marketing t…

1
NHS 10 year plan dissected 42:26

3M ago42:26

42:26

This week we’re focusing on the NHS. On the 3rd of July the UK’s Prime Minister, Kier Starmer finally announced the NHS’ 10 year plan. His Labour government laid out a vision for where the healthcare service should head over the next decade. The announcement has been met with mixed responses. The plan has some good ideas - but a lack of vision comb…

1
What are doctors demanding? | New BMA Chair, Tom Dolphin 34:35

3M ago34:35

34:35

Rebecca Coombes interviews Dr. Tom Dolphin, consultant anaesthetist and newly elected chair of the BMA Council. Watch this interview on our YouTube.By The BMJ

1
Beyond Boredom: Your Book Could Be Every Parent's Summer Solution 21:32

3M ago21:32

21:32

The summer break scramble is real! Parents everywhere face the same challenge when school lets out: keeping kids entertained without surrendering to endless screen time. For authors of children's and young adult books, this presents a golden opportunity to connect with an audience hungry for solutions. Drawing inspiration from Jennifer Garner's bri…

1
The Big 3-Oh No! Logan's Run (1976) 1:24:09

3M ago1:24:09

1:24:09

Last week, we talked about dystopian overpopulation, so this week we’re diving into dystopian population control with the 1976 cult classic Logan’s Run. This movie is far from perfect, but it offers a lot: stunning set design, an original (if bizarre) plot, and a healthy dose of retro-futuristic quirkiness. Of course, in the world of Logan’s Run, n…

1
From Beach Reads to Bestsellers: Marketing Your Book in Summer 21:51

3M ago21:51

21:51

Summer is upon us, and savvy authors know this season presents unique marketing opportunities—but what exactly makes a book beach-worthy? Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell dive into the evolving definition of "summer reads" and reveal practical strategies for positioning any book to capture readers' attention during these warmer months. The podcast …

1
Time to rethink GP's advice on weightloss, and ticagrelor data doubts 33:38

3M ago33:38

33:38

Last December, The BMJ published an investigation into the 2009 PLATO trial - exposing serious problems with that study’s data analysis and reporting. Our follow up investigation has shown that those data problems extend to other key supporting evidence in AstraZeneca’s initial application to regulators. Peter Doshi, senior editor in the BMJ’s Inve…

1
Over population isn't real, 'Soylent Green' (1973) 1:20:09

3M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

Soylent Green is one of the quintessential Malthusian science fiction films with one of the most memorable endings so we thought it was time to give it a watch. Luckily we did not end up having 40 million people in NYC as of 2022 which is usually how it goes with dystopian theories. We found the movie hard to buy into because of how over the top it…

1
The Author's Identity Crisis: Why Brand Marketing Matters More Than You Think 25:37

4M ago25:37

25:37

Ever felt like you're just shoving your book down people's throats? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation, Penny and Amy tackle the critical difference between book marketing and brand marketing—revealing why the latter might be your secret weapon for long-term author success. Brand marketing creates the foundation upon which all your…

1
The Pay-to-Play Dilemma: Paying for book reviews & coverage 34:59

4M ago34:59

34:59

With a new book hitting the market every eight seconds, standing out has never been harder—and for many authors, the temptation to pay for visibility is real. But does paying for reviews or influencer features actually work? And more importantly… is it worth the risk? In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the ra…

1
'Severance' the GOAT of TV 1:07:04

4M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

SPOILER ALERT! We LOVE the TV show Severance so much that it has come up in three of our recent episodes! So, even though it is a little different from what we usually cover on Midnight Local, we decided to dedicate an episode to the show. We talk about how horrific we think it would be to be outside of your consciousness for most of the day, the m…

1
The plan for NHS league tables is bad, and will lead to unintended consequences 26:09

4M ago26:09

26:09

In this episode, we hear about ketamine addiction. It's in the news, but the rise in addiction amongst young people in the UK has caused concern for some time. Irene Guerrini and Nicola Kalk, both addiction psychiatrists from the National Addiction Centre, join us to explain why its become a problem. In November 2024 Wes Streeting, the UK’s health …

1
Unlocking ChatGPT’s Creative Power for Authors 31:27

4M ago31:27

31:27

AI isn’t a threat to creativity—it’s a secret weapon, and savvy authors are already tapping into its power. In this episode, Penny and Amy explore how ChatGPT can transform the way you write, market, and manage your author business. Discover how to use ChatGPT as a creative collaborator to generate fresh story ideas, refine your prose, spot plot ho…

1
Nothing can prepare you for 'Earth Girls Are Easy' (1988) 1:06:13

4M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

We have been teasing an upcoming episode about 'Earth Girls Are Easy' (1988) for a long time and it's finally here! This movie is a wild ride. From its star filled cast, 80s defining musical numbers and cartoonish special effects it begs you to just sit back and enjoy without overthinking. We still managed to get on the topic of free speech later i…

1
What Most Authors Get Wrong About Debut Success 38:55

4M ago38:55

38:55

Unrealistic expectations can destroy an author's career before it truly begins. We've seen it countless times—talented writers who become discouraged, bitter, and ultimately abandon their writing dreams because their first book didn't land them on bestseller lists or bring financial freedom. In this deeply practical conversation, Penny and Amy chal…

1
Revenge of the female anti-hero, Baby Face (1933) 1:11:29

4M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

It is both refreshing and enraging to see the great female characters of the pre-code film era. These women were central characters with agency, desires, motives and in this case deadly control over every man she meets. We lost female characters like this for 30+ years and some could argue they were never the same. Baby Face (1933) is a dark movie …

1
Wellness industry lies, and preventative AI evaluation 38:53

4M ago38:53

38:53

Devi Sridhar's new book “How Not to Die (Too Soon) - The Lies We’ve Been Sold, and the Policies That Could Save Us” is focussing on the way wellness culture ignores the societal context in which health is really created. As a trained personal trainer and professor of global public health, Devi's straddling both of those worlds, and joins us to talk…

1
Amazon's New Algorithm Changes: What Authors Need to Know 36:20

4M ago36:20

36:20

When Amazon quietly shifted from its A9 to A10 algorithm in May, many authors felt panic rising. Would their books suddenly disappear from search results? Would years of keyword optimization become obsolete overnight? The good news is that if you've been focusing on quality and reader experience all along, you're already aligned with Amazon's new d…

1
This movie changed the WORLD, 'Gold Diggers of 1933' 1:17:25

5M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

Gold Diggers of 1933 is possibly the best and most fun pre-code movie. You will be surprised how modern it feels. This movie has it all, Busby Berkley dance numbers, strong female leads, comedy, relevant political commentary, The Great Depression and a jaw-dropping grand finale. The last number in this movie left us with so much to talk about we co…

1
The Power of Reddit: Reach Millions Through Ask Me Anything Events 34:26

5M ago34:26

34:26

Imagine reaching a million potential readers without spending a dime on advertising or having a massive social media following. This episode unveils one of publishing's best-kept secrets: Reddit AMAs (Ask Me Anything) as a powerful tool for authors at any career stage. Penny and Amy explore how Reddit's unique culture offers authors something incre…

1
The Original Gangster, 'The Public Enemy' (1931) 1:33:50

5M ago1:33:50

1:33:50

We have spent nearly a century trying to make another gangster movie this good and some could argue we haven't done it yet. Being released before the Hay's code allows this movie to really speak it's mind and it does. With its loud commentary about the state of the US, strong female characters, sex, openly gay characters and nuance this movie is th…

1
Conflict in South Asia, and simplifying GRADE. 40:15

5M ago40:15

40:15

Recent escalations in the ever simmering tension between India and Pakistan brought us closer to conflict - conflict between two nuclear powers. For a long time doctors have campaigned for nuclear disarmament, and Chris Zielinski, president of the World Association of Medical Editors, makes the case for returning WHO's mandate to measure the potent…

1
Creating Memorable Author Book Signing Events That Sell Books 51:22

5M ago51:22

51:22

In this game-changing episode, we reveal the secrets that turn ho-hum author book signings into unforgettable experiences. Discover why the classic author signing model is broken—and how to fix it. We dive deep into proven strategies for pitching bookstores and other venues, creating irresistible event formats, and building connections that keep re…

1
'Idiocracy' prophecy or eugenics manifesto? 1:12:21

5M ago1:12:21

1:12:21

In light of current events we couldn't ignore the 2006 film 'Idiocracy' any longer. People like to think of this film as something of a prophecy but unfortunately it is mostly just a eugenics movie that seems to trip over it's own feet. We are going to talk mostly about where this movie misses but can admit it does have some moments. Chapters 00:00…

1
Too Good to Be True? The Bookstore Scam That's Breaking Hearts 23:00

5M ago23:00

23:00

In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on a heartbreaking scam targeting authors—promising dream book deals that quickly turn into financial nightmares. We explore how scammers craft elaborate schemes that seem too good to be true, preying on authors' hopes with promises of massive book orders, media coverage, and exclusive events. B…

1
Malaria free China, an academic medicine revolution, and retracted data's impact 36:36

5M ago36:36

36:36

China was declared malaria free in 2021 - and we'll hear how persistence was key to their success, and what new technologies are available to help the rest of the world become malaria free, from Regina Rabinovich, director of the Malaria Elimination Initiative at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. Sonia Saxena, professor of primary care at …

1
Tammy and the T-rex (1994), Clueless...but not. 1:05:58

5M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

This movie feels like it is happening at exactly the same time, but outside of the frame lines of Clueless...and in a slightly sideways universe. What's a girl to do when her boyfriend comes back to life as a Mechanical T-Rex? This movie has the answers. Greg and Mere had a ton of fun watching and talking about this film and would love to invite yo…

1
Dust It Off: The Author's Guide to Book Resurrection 38:08

5M ago38:08

38:08

Your older books aren't outdated—they're untapped potential. In this episode, we explore how a strategic refresh can breathe new life into your backlist and help you recapture reader interest. From updating covers and content to rethinking your positioning and marketing assets, we’ll show you how to treat every previously published title as a fresh…

1
'Blind Date' (1984) is a Mastorakian Masterpiece! 1:21:54

5M ago1:21:54

1:21:54

Greg and Mere dive deeper into the film library of Nico Mastorakis with 'Blind Date' (1984). This movie is just good, not so clean fun! Is it a Thriller? Sci-Fi? Drama? Absurdist Comedy? As we have learned about the films of Mastorakis it is everything at once, nothings off the table. On the b-side we talk about film school and work experiences we …

1
Building Your Author Brand for Media Recognition 44:26

6M ago44:26

44:26

The elusive goal of media coverage keeps many authors awake at night, dreaming of that big break on national television or in major publications. But what if everything you thought about securing media attention was based on misconceptions? In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on what really matters to media gatekeepers and why so …