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The best podcasts for Curing Writer's Blocks!

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Who am I?

I'm a writer, a book coach, and the creator of THE BOOK I HAD TO WRITE, a podcast aimed at the stories behind today's most compelling nonfiction. I love helping other writers finish book drafts, proposals, agent query letters, and more. More at pzak.info I've listened to writing and books podcasts for awhile, but it wasn't till I created my own show that I really began to appreciate the challenge of making a show that sticks out -- one that is rewarding to listeners whether they just love books or they want to publish their own work!

My Show

What is my podcast about and/or how does it relate to the playlist topic you chose?

THE BOOK I HAD TO WRITE features interviews with authors talking about how and why they wrote their most important books. Along the way, listeners pick up tips and inspiration for getting their own work published. Find episodes on major platforms or thebookihadtowrite.com I was inspired to create this particular podcast because it takes a lot of time & dedication to finish your own book...and hearing the journeys other people took to publish, as well as what they learned along the way, can help you as you finish your work :)

What is my podcast playlist about?

My playlist focuses on an issue that plagues even the best writers...writing blocks. The podcasts I've picked don't necessarily address this issue, but in my experience they've helped writers move past some of the reasons for blocks (i.e. perfectionism, fear, lack of knowledge, etc) that get in the way. Also, I've stuck to indy shows I love, as opposed to many excellent shows with institutional backing.

The podcasts I picked and why

1. The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Why this podcast?

This is one of two OG shows on my list. Joanna kicked off her podcast all the way back in 2009, and while the show itself has evolved over time, Joanna's knack for pulling together advice and experts that are ahead of the curve hasn't changed. Case in point: check out her shows on AI from a couple of years ago...eons before your brother-in-law was bending your ear about ChatGPT at the family BBQ.

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
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Writing Craft and Creative Business

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11 Listeners

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2. Write-minded: Weekly Inspiration for Writers

Why this podcast?

This one is a more recent discovery, and features a pair of hosts who come from different parts of publishing. I really like how both Brooke Warner and Grant Faulkner draw out big lessons no matter who they're interviewing.

Write-minded: Weekly Inspiration for Writers

Write-minded: Weekly Inspiration for Writers

Brooke Warner and Grant Faulkner

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Write-minded: Weekly Inspiration for Writers kicked off in September 2018 and airs every week. We are a podcast for writers craving a unique blend of inspiration and real talk about the ups and downs of the writing life. Hosted by Brooke Warner and Grant Faulkner, two friends and colleagues who bring a community-minded sensibility to the writing journey, each theme-focused episode of Write-minded features an interview with a writer, author, or publishing industry professional. Write-minded features a segment called Substackin’ at the end of each episode to talk about topics, ideas, trends, and writerly inspirations that Brooke and Grant are tracking in their weekly Substacks (Writerly Things and Intimations), and sometimes the Substacks of people they admire, too. Brooke and Grant bring to this weekly podcast their deeply held belief that everyone is a writer, and everyone’s story matters.

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2 Listeners

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3. The Bleeders: about book writing & publishing

Why this podcast?

Named for that Ernest Hemingway quote about writing, this podcast has way more edge than your typical writing/books show. Host Courntey Kocak is irreverent, and occasionally potty-mouthed -- and really smart about writing. There's frequently great banter between host and guest. And I love the fact she focuses a lot on my favorite genre (essays and memoir).

The Bleeders: about book writing & publishing
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The Bleeders is a podcast (and support group!) about book writing and publishing. Transparent conversations with authors, agents, and people in the publishing industry about how to write and sell books. The title is a nod to the famous (potentially misattributed) Hemingway quote: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Sign up for The Bleeders companion Substack! https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

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4. Thresholds

Why this podcast?

This show is beautifully produced, and host Jordan Kisner lands a ton of big names. I really like the show's premise -- which is finding a moment in the life of writer (or artist) where everything changed. That focus allows for more space and deeper moments of reflection than you typically find in an interview. Highly recommended for Sunday mornings when you're lounging around and wanting to stretch out that first cup of coffee.

Thresholds

Thresholds

Jordan Kisner

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This is Thresholds, a series of interviews with writers and artists you love about the transformative experiences (surprises, crises, existential freakouts, u-turns, breakthroughs) that have shaped their work. The life-wasn’t-the-same-after-that moments.Hosted by Jordan Kisner, author of the essay collection THIN PLACES. Thresholds is a Lit Hub Radio podcast. www.thisisthresholds.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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5. Otherppl with Brad Listi

Why this podcast?

The other OG show on my list! Host Brad Listi has been interviewing writers since 2011, and he's crossed paths with virtually every major writer you can think of. Brad's format is unusual in that he eschews too much prep. You won't find the typical list of talking points here, but rather a conversation that can occasionally meander, but like a great late-night talk between best friends, finds moments of unguarded honesty and clarity!

Otherppl with Brad Listi
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Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth conversations with today's leading authors. Books, writing, literature, screenwriting, the creative process, and more. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Watch it on the Otherppl YouTube channel. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram.

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2 Listeners

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