I can’t think of a better way to pass the time on a drive – whether it be to the grocery store or down I95 – than listening to podcasts. Okay, maybe blasting “Uptown Funk” or “Born to Run” (I have eclectic taste in music) might, but that lasts maybe eight or nine minutes tops. I do a decent amount of running around, which allows me to try out my fair share of podcasts. Here are a few of my weekly stalwarts.
Writing-Centered Must Listens
The Shit No one Tells You About Writing (TSNOTYAW)
Hosted by two literary agents (Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra) and an author (Bianca Marais), this podcast is invaluable. Each week Carly and CeCe critique queries sent in by listeners, followed by Bianca interviewing an author. From beginning to end there’s so much to learn from their insightful and intelligent commentary. But it’s just not a podcast… there’s opportunities for webinars and their annual Deep Dive online conference to take your writing to another level.
This awesome podcast hosted by writers and editors Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill takes a fresh approach to the elements of story. In each episode they analyze a movie to illustrate how to (or how not to) employ a particular aspect of story telling – from character to plot to setting to genre and everything in between. Even if you’ve never seen the movie they’re discussing, none of it will be lost on you. I have to admit, it is extra fun when Valerie and Melanie use a familiar one. They took on “Legally Blonde” to illustrate the hero’s journey. Of course, Reese Witherspoon’s classic got two thumbs up. What? Like it’s hard?
The Manuscript Academy Podcast
Writer Julie Kingsley and agent Jessica Sinsheimer host this podcast that is just one part of a the website of the same name. You may recognize the hashtag in their logo, which is the sister site The Manuscript Wishlist. The MSWL has become one of the premier resources for querying authors. Manuscript Academy offers webinars, query and manuscript critiques with agents and editors, and so much more. Check it out.
Shannon Balloon is a writer who loves middle grade and talking to creators of this genre. Listening in on these conversations is an educational and inspirational treat. Best of all, each episode affirms my own love for and conviction to create books in this genre.
This newly minted podcast isn’t specifically about writing, but it does take on an issue that every writer has stock in. Hosts Christine Renee Miller and Jessica Goudeau have weekly conversations about “banned books, plays, and films now and throughout history.” Each have a personal and deeply held interest in an issue that sadly is as current as it’s ever been. Christine is an actress and playwright; Jessica is a journalist and author, and holds a Ph.D. in literature. Full disclosure: I have a personal connection, as the hosts are faculty members at Wilkes University. But that’s not why it’s on this list. Just two episodes have been released and I’m already hooked.
Most Honorable Mentions
Writing
Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland
Sports
The Vault – Daily Ravens report
A Pod of Their Own -Three women who love the Mets talk their team and baseball.
Punchline – Ravens cornerback and resident philosopher Marlon Humphrey talks…well everything, including football