How I Write
David Perell
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Top 10 How I Write Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best How I Write episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to How I Write for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite How I Write episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
11/15/23 • 59 min
Learn how Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, wrote his way to success in the startup world — and how you can, too.
SPEAKER LINKS:
Website: https://www.ycombinator.com/people/garry-tan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/garrytan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrytan/
Blog: https://blog.garrytan.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GarryTan
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrytan
WRITE OF PASSAGE:
Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?
Click here: https://take.writeofpassage.school/writing-sprints
PODCAST LINKS:
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
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2 Listeners
10/25/23 • 83 min
Lenny writes one of the top five business newsletters on Substack — which has amassed over 500,000 subscribers. He hosts a podcast that makes him more money than he made in corporate America. And he’s built a raving X audience of over 188,000.
No training. No ego. And to top it all off, he writes in one of the most oversaturated markets on the Internet: product management.
How does he do it?
After his first Substack post went viral, “What Seven Years at Airbnb Taught Me About Building a Business”, Lenny saw the positive impact that his ideas had on his readers. He became obsessed with adding value. His motto?
“There’s always room for better content.”
In an age of cheap, viral-hungry clickbait, Lenny’s quality bar is through the stratosphere. He spends hours researching and revising. He takes ten, twenty, thirty passes on every piece he writes. He’s hyper-focused on adding value. And his audience loves it. His commitment to quality catapults his content above the noise.
In this episode, you’ll see inside Lenny’s process. He opens up about creating high-signal content; following what energizes him; balancing storytelling with practicality; protecting his writing schedule; and above all, rising above the noise.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lennysan
Website: https://www.lennyrachitsky.com
Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com
Podcast: https://www.lennyspodcast.com
Want to learn more about the next course with Write of Passage?
Click here: https://writeofpassage.school/hiw
Want to learn more about How I Write?
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
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1 Listener
01/31/24 • 87 min
Chris Dixon is the perfect example of how learning in public can catapult you to success. Come learn how he went from writer to owner, and how you can, too.
SPEAKER LINKS:
Website: https://cdixon.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cdixon
Blog: https://cdixon.substack.com/subscribe
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Read-Write-Own-Building-Internet/dp/0593731387
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAeFr1JnlHwQ1ex7WlWi-g
WRITE OF PASSAGE:
Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?
https://take.writeofpassage.school/writing-sprints
PODCAST LINKS:
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
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1 Listener
02/07/24 • 93 min
Steven Johnson has studied LLM technology for over 35 years. His consensus? Large Language models and human creativity aren’t at odds. They’re at their best when they work in harmony.
Johnson has written thirteen books, many of which explore how tools and technologies expand what humans are capable of and transform societies. He created NotebookLM to help writers use AI to supplement their creative process — not to replace their thinking, but to amplify it.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to capture ideas without friction, how to seamlessly structure your work, how to leverage the element of surprise, and how to turn sheer information into unique insight — all while using AI, of course.
Ultimately, you’ll soak up Johnson’s 35 years of expertise and come away with actionable steps to make your writing process faster and your insights more surprising.
SPEAKER LINKS:
Website: https://stevenberlinjohnson.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevenbjohnson
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Steven-Johnson/e/B000APC0M6
Google NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google/
WRITE OF PASSAGE:
Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?
Click here: https://take.writeofpassage.school/writing-sprints
PODCAST LINKS:
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 Listener
Riva Tez: Becoming A Free Thinker
How I Write
10/18/23 • 84 min
Riva Tez is one of the freest writers I know. It’s as if the boundaries of conventional thinking don’t apply to her. She’s allergic to dogma and passionate about questioning the taboos of our time, and her obsessive research gene has given her a knack for stumbling upon forgotten and under-explored ideas.
She’s a singular human being. Part of her brilliance is the way she combines her love for Rilke’s poetry with an interest in philosophy, theology, and consciousness. In all three areas, she goes right after dogma — and by asking the questions that only she can ask, she finds the answers that only she can find.
In a world of people who are obsessed with optimization, Riva is passionately unoptimized; in a culture of people who are obsessed with the news, Riva has cut out almost all the contemporary noise from Netflix to the New York Times.
If you feel constrained in your writing or thinking, this episode is for you. An hour with Riva will free you from the trappings of your mind, unleash your creative spirit, and lift your head up to a divine calling.
Twitter: @rivatez
Medium: Riva-Melissa Tez
Article: Walking with Nietzche
Forbes: 30 Under 30 Profile
Want to learn more about the next course with Write of Passage?
Click here: https://writeofpassage.school/hiw
Want to learn more about How I Write?
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 Listener
04/03/24 • 66 min
Writing is thinking, which means it’s like lighter fluid for business growth.
Brie has played major roles at writing-rich companies like Stripe, and her expertise on writing-first culture is now used by giants like Amazon and Basecamp.
As she says: “Reality has a surprising amount of detail.” Writing illuminates all the interesting details worth pursuing. And as a result, companies who prioritize writing operate with impressive speed, intention, and rigor.
In this episode, Brie shares years of hard-won wisdom to expose how great writing sets companies apart. She explores the balance of writing vs. taking action; she breaks down the editing process better than a modern-day Maxwell Perkins; and she sheds light on the secret to great writing: your zone of obsession.
If you want to learn how to do the best writing of your life, and grow your company while you’re at it, this episode is for you.
SPEAKER LINKS:
Website: https://www.briewolfson.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zebriez
Stripe Press: https://press.stripe.com/
WRITE OF PASSAGE:
Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?
Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/
PODCAST LINKS:
Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
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1 Listener
Derek Sivers: No Wasted Words
How I Write
09/20/23 • 71 min
It’s hard to capture in words the love and creativity that Derek Sivers brings to his work. He describes himself as a “monomaniac, introvert, and slow thinker.” But those words just reveal his humility.
Derek’s work has charmed millions — from his early days as a professional musician and circus performer, to founding CD Baby, writing fan favorites like Anything You Want and taking the stage at TED.
In this conversation, Derek shares how he finds his best ideas, why he plans to publish a “posthumous autobiography,” and why life is not a problem to be solved but a paradox to be experienced.
Website: sive.rs
Twitter: @sivers
Books:
How to Live: 27 Conflicting Answers and One Weird Conclusion
Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur
Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing
Want to learn more about the next cohort with Write of Passage?
Click here: https://writeofpassage.school/hiw
Want to learn more about How I Write?
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 Listener
1 Comment
1
09/13/23 • 77 min
Kevin Kelly is one of the most important tech writers of the last half century.
Kevin started as the publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of Steve Jobs’ favorite publications. After being mentored by Stewart Brand, he started writing books and magazine pieces before cofounding Wired Magazine. He has since become a prolific author - writing one feature article for Wired Magazine every year, and writing numerous bestselling books.
The man is full of mysteries. Kevin writes abundantly but types very slowly. He writes often but calls himself a reluctant writer. He constantly explores new ideas but actually likes editing more than writing.
Rare is the opportunity to sit down with the master who has decades of experience as a writer. This episode is a peek behind the curtain.
SPEAKER LINKS:
Website: https://kk.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevin2kelly
Latest Book: "Excellent Advice for Living": https://a.co/d/3nYau0X
Want to learn more about the next cohort with Write of Passage?
Click here: https://writeofpassage.school/hiw
Want to learn more about How I Write?
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 Listener
06/12/24 • 41 min
Jerry Seinfeld taught me more about writing than all my English teachers combined. People forget that comedians aren’t just jokesters — they’re writers. And with 10 Emmy Awards, 3 Golden Globes, and a TV show that’s generated over three billion in revenue, it’s safe to say that Jerry Seinfeld is a dang good one.
In this episode, I share the top ten writing lessons I’ve learned from Jerry Seinfeld over the years. You’ll learn five lessons on getting your work done, and five lessons on making your work great. And buckle up. After 50 years of refining his jokes on stage, Jerry deals out spiky writing advice like cards in a casino. If you’re ready to become a writer who stands out from the masses, then you’re in the right place. Happy listening.
WRITING EXAMPLES:
Sign Up for "Writing Examples" and Learn From The Best Writing of All Time: https://www.writingexamples.com/
JERRY SEINFELD LINKS:
Website: https://jerryseinfeld.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jerryseinfeld
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryseinfeld
Article: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/the-scholar-of-comedy
PODCAST LINKS:
Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 Listener
1 Comment
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03/20/24 • 108 min
Every year, 25 million people download Shaan’s podcast. Sure, he’s a brilliant entrepreneur, investor, and writer, but there’s one skill in particular that keeps Shaan’s audience coming back for more: storytelling.
And not the kind of storytelling that feels like an IQ contest. (I know you know what I mean.) Shaan tells stories that burst with aliveness, that make readers laugh out loud with joy or fall silent with understanding. And as a result, he’s built more than just a following; he’s built a fandom.
In this episode, Shaan reveals every framework he knows for telling stories so well they make your reader go, “Wait, how did they do that?”. And I mean, every framework. You won’t find this in the ole’ self-help aisle. Plus, he shows you exactly how to do it. We deconstruct everything from popular movies to business origin stories to viral Twitter threads.
Stories are the #1 way to grab readers’ attention, get them to like you, and ultimately, turn them into fans. And this episode is a masterclass on how to do it.
WRITE OF PASSAGE:
Website & Newsletter: https://www.shaanpuri.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaanVP
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaanpuri
WRITE OF PASSAGE:
Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?
Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/
PODCAST LINKS:
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 Listener
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FAQ
How many episodes does How I Write have?
How I Write currently has 56 episodes available.
What topics does How I Write cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts, Books, Education and Arts.
What is the most popular episode on How I Write?
The episode title 'Garry Tan: Y Combinator CEO - The Key To Writing For Startups and Entrepreneurs' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on How I Write?
The average episode length on How I Write is 77 minutes.
How often are episodes of How I Write released?
Episodes of How I Write are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of How I Write?
The first episode of How I Write was released on Aug 20, 2023.
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