06Meddling - Todd Colby

06/03/16 • 31 min

In this week’s podcast, Shut Your Monkey author and host Danny Gregory talks with Todd Colby, the poet, artist and former member of Drunken Boat. They'll discuss the creative process and the role of discipline and preparation in keeping the monkey at bay.

Monkey of the Week: the Paranoid. It’s that voice that says: "They’re laughing and sneering, because no one likes you. Or trusts you. Or admires you. And they can’t wait to see you screw up." What can we say in response?

Monkey Tale: Lenore has a revelation in the shower about who her monkey really is.

What’s your experience with your monkey? How has it affected you, and how have you overcome it? Record your Monkey Tale at dannygregory.com/monkey.

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Monkey Tale: Lenore has a revelation in the shower about who her monkey really is.

What’s your experience with your monkey? How has it affected you, and how have you overcome it? Record your Monkey Tale at dannygregory.com/monkey.

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05Ghosts - Patti Digh

In this week’s podcast, Shut Your Monkey author and host Danny Gregory talks with Patti Digh, the bestselling author, teacher and storyteller. They'll discuss trauma and how the harsh voices of our childhood can continue to play tired old tapes in our heads — long past their expiration date.

Monkey of the Week: the Fake. It’s that voice that says: "You are a fraud and an imposter. Everyone knows you can’t do this. They’re all laughing behind your naive back." What can we say in response?

Monkey Tale: A few careless critiques can derail one's young career. Steve tells us how he was sabotaged by his first boss and how he has fought back after years of hiding his talent.

What’s your experience with your monkey? How has it affected you, and how have you overcome it? Record your Monkey Tale at dannygregory.com/monkey.

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07Distractions - Jonathan Carroll

In this week’s podcast, Shut Your Monkey author and host Danny Gregory talks with the novelist Jonathan Carroll. The conversation is freewheeling — from how to start a novel, to day-jobs to the benefits of self-criticism, how to make your creative self your friend to the pleasures of handwritten manuscripts.

Here's an example of a second draft of his manuscript for Bathing the Lion.

He also pointed me to this great video of Francis Ford Coppola showing the manuscript for The Godfather.

Monkey Tale: Liz introduces us to her purple monkey

What’s your experience with your monkey? How has it affected you, and how have you overcome it? Record your Monkey Tale at dannygregory.com/monkey.