Welcome to Some Things Considered
Join award-winning author Sean Murphy for conversations with the most accomplished minds spanning the literary, music, and tech industries. Sean brings his decades of experience as a cultural critic, professor, and founder of a literary non-profit to explore and celebrate the ways stories define us as artists and human beings. This podcast peels back the layers of creativity, examining why it matters and how brilliant minds achieve mastery. Each episode features authentic discussions and deep dives into craft, routines, and the personal journeys of successful storytellers.
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About the Host
Sean Murphy is an award-winning author, columnist, poet, professor, and executive director of the literary non-profit 1455.
Sean Murphy is founder of the non-profit 1455 Literary Arts, and directs the Center for Story at Shenandoah University. He has appeared on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and been quoted in USA Today, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and AdAge. A long-time columnist for PopMatters, his work has also appeared in Salon, The Village Voice, Washington City Paper, The Good Men Project, Sequestrum, Blue Mountain Review, and others. His chapbook, The Blackened Blues, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2021. His second collection of poems, Rhapsodies in Blue was published by Kelsay Books in 2023. His third collection, Kinds of Blue, and This Kind of Man, his first collection of short fiction, released in May 2024. He has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize, twice for Best of Net, and his book Please Talk about Me When I’m Gone was the winner of the 2022 Memoir Prize.
NEW: Season 5 is here!
S E A S O N | E P I S O D E 1
Matt Davis: What does Mount Rushmore tell us about America?
Some Things Considered returns with our fifth season, and we could not be more excited. Episode One features Matthew Davis, with whom I speak about his new book Biography of a Mountain, an in-depth examination of Mt. Rushmore as both a monument and a metaphor for America. Drawing on years of research and personal engagement with the Black Hills, Davis unpacks the layered histories, mythologies, and political tensions embedded in this iconic site.
We cover a wide range of ground, from why Davis knew Mt. Rushmore was the book he needed to write and how the mountain mirrors the American story, to its sacred Native history, the erasure of Indigenous perspectives, and the power struggles behind who gets to shape national narratives. We talk about Gutzon Borglum’s ambition and troubling legacy, the paradox of monuments as symbols of both pride and oppression, and why Davis chose to place himself inside the narrative. The conversation connects Rushmore’s history to our present moment, exploring how monuments become political battlegrounds, how figures like Trump and Reagan factor into modern mythmaking, and why this research feels especially relevant in 2025. It’s always a pleasure to speak with Matt, whom I consider a friend, colleague, and source of inspiration. His book is deeply timely, offering valuable insight for an America that remains complicated, divided, and still negotiating the stories it tells about itself.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 2
From Prison to Advocacy: Stephanie Shepard on Justice and Reform
In this episode, I speak with Stephanie Shepard, Executive Director of Last Prisoner Project. She was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a first-time, nonviolent cannabis offense and now leads the Last Prisoner Project (LPP). Her story—and her advocacy—reveals the human cost of the War on Drugs and the urgent need for restorative justice.
In this conversation, we trace Stephanie’s journey from her 2010 federal cannabis conviction and nine-year prison sentence to her current role as Executive Director of the Last Prisoner Project, an organization working to free cannabis prisoners, clear records, support reentry, and reform drug policy. We unpack the myths and political roots of the drug war, how storytelling reshapes public perception and legislation, and the painful contradiction of legalized or tolerated cannabis alongside ongoing incarceration. Through real human cases, we explore the life-altering impact of imprisonment, the power of directly impacted advocates, and LPP’s current fights around clemency, resentencing, expungement, and federal reform. The conversation looks forward to expanding services and national awareness, underscoring a central truth: drug policy has always been political, not scientific, and real justice requires empathy, engagement, and action.p>
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 3
Tim Wendel: Baseball, History, and Craft
In this episode, I speak with award-winning author and Johns Hopkins writing professor Tim Wendel, whose books include Summer of ’68, Castro’s Curveball, Cancer Crossings, and his newest novel Rebel Falls. Tim is productive, well-read, and well-traveled, so our conversation inexorably covered a great deal of ground.
I talk with Tim Wendel about baseball and storytelling, from how the game shaped his life as a writer to the mythology of Bull Durham and the legend of Steve Dalkowski, before widening into a conversation about history itself—why it is always many stories, why authoritarian regimes work to control narratives, and why Tim believes “citizen historians” are essential in a moment of cultural erasure. We explore travel as an antidote to prejudice, the dangers of censorship and the whitewashing of civil rights history, and the power of artists and athletes like Jackie Robinson and jazz musicians to move America forward. Tim also shares insight on teaching writing today, the challenges and opportunities of AI, and why craft still matters. Tim is a versatile, curious, and deeply passionate storyteller whose books include Summer of ’68, Castro’s Curveball, and Cancer Crossings, and whose award-winning historical novel Rebel Falls earned the W.Y. Boyd Award from the American Library Association.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 4
Jenna Blum: Changing Genres, Creative Identity, & the Business of Writing
This episode of Some Things Considered features the always-brilliant Jenna Blum, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of Those Who Save Us, The Stormchasers, The Lost Family, Woodrow on the Bench, and her forthcoming psychological thriller Murder Your Darlings (out January 2026).
This episode is a wide-ranging, candid conversation with Jenna about writing across genres, building a sustainable creative life, and how the literary world has changed. We talk about her first psychological thriller Murder Your Darlings and what drew her to the genre, the realities of being a New York Times bestseller, and the evolving role of social media, promotion, and audience connection. Jenna shares why curiosity has guided her career more than market expectations, how she thinks about showing up for readers without burning out, and what she’s learned through teaching and building literary community with A Mighty Blaze. I hope this episode inspires you to read her work, share it, and explore the remarkable literary ecosystem she continues to create.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 5
Chris Colin: Modern Life is Designed to Exhaust You
In this episode, I talk with journalist and author Chris Colin, whose work in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and the WSJ explores the strange, frustrating, and revealing corners of modern life. We cover some of his recent journalism–and the experiences that inspired them, as well as the contemporary state of all-things literary.
I talk with Chris Colin about his viral New York Times piece on a three-day total-darkness retreat and what sensory deprivation reveals about fear, anxiety, boredom, and insight, alongside his Atlantic essay “Sludge,” which argues that modern bureaucratic friction is often intentionally designed to exhaust people into compliance. Our conversation moves through corporate power, institutional distrust, and how engineered apathy can open the door to authoritarianism, as well as his Wall Street Journal piece on turning administrative drudgery into communal connection. We touch on the eerie overlap between our current world and Orwell, Huxley, and Kafka, and why storytelling remains one of the few ways to expose who truly benefits from systems that wear people down. Chris is a writer whose work consistently sharpens how you see the world, and I hope this conversation sends you straight to his essays and books.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 6
Sara Stibitz: A Conversation About A Ladder to the Stars
In this episode of Some Things Considered, I spoke with Sara Stibitz—New York Times–bestselling collaborative writer, author of Writing on Purpose, and creator of the Substack A Ladder to the Stars—about how stories shape meaning, identity, and power. Our conversation moved fluidly across creativity, culture, and persuasion, tracing the ways narrative operates beneath art, marketing, politics, and everyday life.
We explored why Sara sees storytelling as central to human healing and creative practice, and why she rejects the “lone genius” myth in favor of collaboration, teaching, and community. She unpacked how stories sell identities before they sell ideas, why there’s no such thing as a neutral narrative, and how brands and political movements succeed or fail based on message clarity and emotional resonance. We also talked about refusing to niche down, building a sustainable creative life that accounts for money and boundaries, and why—amid an AI-fueled content flood—human voice, depth, and intention matter more than ever.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 7
Shane Hinton: Writing, Teaching, and Giving Books Away for Free
In today’s episode, writer and teacher Shane Hinton joins us to talk about generosity, connection, and what it really means to make—and share—art in a literary landscape where traditional paths are shrinking and authenticity often clashes with self-promotion.
Shane Hinton, author of Pinkies, Radio Dark, and Other Shane Hintons, and editor of We Can’t Help It If We’re From Florida, explores the intersection of art, money, and meaning through the lens of his Lit Hub essay “Why I Give My Books Away for Free.” His work—rooted in the absurd, the uncanny, and the deeply human, often filtered through Florida as both place and psyche—sparked a wide-ranging conversation about choosing connection over transaction, measuring impact through engagement rather than sales, and embracing generosity as an honest form of outreach. We unpack the realities facing contemporary writers: more content than ever, fewer sustainable pathways, and the growing expectation that creatives become marketers alongside artists. As a teacher, Shane reflects on how classrooms are changing, why MFA programs must address economic truths, and how educators can balance craft, hope, and honesty while helping students build community, not just manuscripts. His perspective frames these conversations as not just practical, but ethical—and offers a grounded, inspiring model for adapting and thriving in a challenging literary world.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 8
John Lingan: Marching to the Beat of Many Drummers
This week on Some Things Considered, I had the great pleasure of talking with John Lingan, author of Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in 15 Drummers—a book I can’t recommend highly enough.
We talk about why drummers are the perfect lens for understanding rock history, what most fans miss about the difference between flash and feel, and how contrasting styles—from John Bonham’s kitchen-sink brilliance to Charlie Watts’s less-is-more elegance—reveal entirely different philosophies of groove. We dig into the agony of omission, unsung innovators like Moe Tucker, Ringo Starr’s role as a true musical innovator, and the cultural legacy (and uncomfortable realities) surrounding figures like Clyde Stubblefield and “Funky Drummer.” We also explore drumming as storytelling, writing about music without killing the joy, and why Backbeats ultimately isn’t just about drummers—it’s about feel, history, culture, and human connection. If you care about rock music, its evolution, or how great art gets made, you’re going to love this conversation.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 9
Stephen Marche: Marching to the Beat of Many Drummers
On this week’s episode of Some Things Considered, I spoke with Stephen Marche about political fracture, narrative power, and the hard truths writers need to hear.
Our conversation centered on The Next Civil War and On Writing and Failure—two books that feel increasingly prescient. What once seemed like speculation about America’s instability now reads like documentation, as amplification—not belief itself—has become the accelerant of grievance and fear. We discussed how narrative routinely outpaces fact, why incoherence can actually strengthen extremist movements, and how Trump represents less a break from history than the culmination of long-ignored forces. We also turned to writing: the inevitability of failure, the discipline of perseverance, the collapse of old publishing structures, and why “no whining” is less cruelty than clarity. Marche doesn’t offer reassurance—he offers precision. And in this moment, precision feels essential.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 10
Gina Gershon: Autonomy, Art, and Refusing the Path of Least Resistance
In this episode of Some Things Considered, Gina Gershon reflects on a four-decade career defined not by chasing opportunity, but by protecting autonomy—showing how creative longevity comes from knowing what to refuse as much as what to accept.
In this conversation, Gina and I talk about the choices that shape a life in the arts—especially the ones you don’t make. Her memoir Alpha Pussy isn’t a typical Hollywood tell-all; it’s a reflection on boundaries, independence, and what it takes to stay true to yourself in an industry built on access and proximity to power. We discuss how longevity in creative work often comes from knowing when to say no, why interesting people tend to seek interesting environments, and how aging can deepen an artist’s spirit rather than diminish it. What emerges is a portrait of a career defined as much by what Gina refused as what she embraced—and a reminder that the artists who last are the ones who know exactly where to draw the line.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 11
The Atlantic’s Walt Hunter on Teaching, Poetry, and Refusing to Lower the Bar
I talk with Walt Hunter about why educators—and our culture at large—should resist lowering expectations in the face of distraction, AI, and anti-intellectualism, and instead raise the bar to meet students’ capacity for depth, rigor, and humanity.
Walt Hunter—senior associate dean at Case Western Reserve University, professor of 20th- and 21st-century literature, poetry editor at The Atlantic, and author of Some Flowers—talks with me about his provocative essay “Stop Meeting Students Where They Are.” While the title suggests critique, the argument is ultimately an invitation: in a culture shaped by devices, distraction, and impatience, educators should resist the instinct to dilute difficulty in the name of accessibility and instead trust students to rise to complexity. We explore how “meeting students where they are” can sometimes mean avoiding rigor altogether, and how that instinct reflects a broader anti-intellectual current that demands the arts justify themselves in ways other fields do not. Walt’s perspective reframes rigor as a form of respect—arguing that the real issue isn’t technology, but belief: belief that difficulty is formative, that students are capable of more, and that poetry, as an inherently analog and reflective act, remains essential not for optimizing performance, but for deepening what it means to be human.
S E A S O N 5 | E P I S O D E 12
Laurie Sheck: Exploring AI, Art, and Empathy
In this episode of Some Things Considered, I speak with Laurie Sheck about literature, illness, and artificial intelligence to ask what it means to be human in an age increasingly shaped by machines—and why empathy, not efficiency, remains art’s central task.
In this wide-ranging conversation, I’m joined by Laurie Sheck—novelist, poet, essayist, and one of the most intellectually daring voices working today—to explore the intersections of literature, illness, identity, technology, and empathy. Moving from Dostoyevsky to Frankenstein to artificial intelligence, we circle a central question: what does it mean to be human in a machine-shaped age? I came to this conversation after a month immersed in Laurie’s work—writing that is demanding, immersive, and encyclopedic, driven less by entertainment than by a deep impulse toward connection. We discuss A Monster’s Notes, a “baroque opera of grief,” and how it resists simplification in order to reflect the complexity of consciousness, before turning to Frankenstein as a foundational text about creation—one that feels newly urgent as AI shifts from metaphor to reality. Laurie’s Cyborg Fever extends this inquiry, treating artificial consciousness not as spectacle but as ethical terrain. Throughout, we return to a pressing idea: what machines lack is not intelligence, but lived vulnerability—and that art’s purpose is not optimization, but empathy. In a cultural moment shaped by automation, concentrated media power, and institutional strain, we also confront the question beneath it all: who controls the story, who benefits from it, and who gets erased.
Season 4
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 1
Richard Blanco: The Inaugural Poet on Politics, Poetry, and Power
Season 4 of Some Things Considered opens with President Obama's Inaugural poet Richard Blanco in a powerful conversation on the role of art, identity, and storytelling in a fractured world, exploring themes of activism, humanity, and the enduring power of poetry.
In this episode, we explore art and activism through the lenses of attention, agency, and humanity—talking about the challenge of writing political poetry that remains beautiful, personal, and true, the pressure of having a public voice in a fractured nation, and how to resist cynicism and despair. Our conversation moves through James Baldwin’s vision of the artist, why poetry may be the form we need most right now, and the moral power of witness in the 21st century, alongside reflections on craft, teaching, and the unique way poems can reach where essays and op-eds cannot. Richard shares his own process and reads from How to Love a Country and Homeland of My Body, and we also look ahead—discussing AI, the future of storytelling, and why art so often comes under threat when authoritarianism rises.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 2
Emma Sarappo: On Novels, Lists, and Literary Life
I spoke with Emma Sarappo, senior associate editor at The Atlantic, about the power of literary lists, the role of criticism as stewardship, and why poetry and overlooked gems matter more than ever in today’s chaotic cultural landscape.
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Sarappo, senior associate editor at The Atlantic, where she oversees and contributes to its coverage of books, poetry, and literary culture. Formerly arts editor at Washington City Paper, Emma’s bylines span Preservation, Pacific Standard, Washingtonian, The Bitter Southerner, and more—she’s the real deal. We explored The Atlantic’s ambitious literary lists, including the Best American Novels and Poetry collections, and discussed the evolving role of criticism, the value (and provocation) of lists, and what makes a work “great.” Emma shared her thoughts on poetry’s unique power in today’s noisy world, the promise of underground comics, and the importance of criticism as stewardship—introducing new voices, resurfacing forgotten gems, and expanding the canon with care.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 3
Dinaw Mangestu: Art, Immigration, Masculinity & the Power of Storytelling
Acclaimed novelist Dinaw Mengestu explores how storytelling—particularly around masculinity, immigration, and identity—can serve as a powerful act of resistance and connection in today’s increasingly authoritarian and fragmented world.
In this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed Ethiopian American novelist Dinaw Mengestu reflects on the power of storytelling to confront the urgent issues of our time, from immigration and masculinity to the role of art in an increasingly authoritarian world. Drawing from his own experiences and literary work—including his novel Someone Like Us—Dinaw unpacks how immigrant narratives are often shaped by survival, silence, and complexity, and how literature can offer a more human, nuanced lens than the reductive political discourse that dominates today. We discussed how cultural narratives around male anger and identity are constructed, how fiction can challenge toxic ideas, and why the act of writing itself becomes a form of resistance. Our conversation also turned toward the future of reading—especially among younger generations—and the importance of meeting audiences where they are to cultivate empathy, engagement, and deeper understanding through art.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 4
Gregg Wilhelm: Telling Better Stories in Troubled Times
Gregg Wilhelm is Director of Mason Creative Writing, co-founder of Watershed Lit, a long-time literary advocate and publishing pro, and someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with (and learning from) for years.
In this conversation, we dive into the state of MFA programs and the future of English majors, why fewer students are reading (and how to bring them back), the collapse of public arts funding and what might replace it, and how to maintain faith and focus when AI, apathy, and anti-humanities sentiment threaten to flatten everything we care about. We also explore the power of literary citizenship—not just as an idea, but as a lifeline for community and creative survival. I’ve always admired Gregg for his tireless advocacy, his unshakable belief in writers and teachers, and his realism that never tips into resignation; he doesn’t just talk about “resistance,” he builds platforms, creates programs, and helps train the next generation of literary citizens. This episode is especially relevant for writing students and aspiring educators, anyone navigating the literary world post-Covid and mid-AI, advocates grappling with a shrinking public square for the arts, and listeners who want to be reminded why stories still matter—and how we can keep telling them, even now.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 5
Leah Paulos: Finding Your Book PR Superpower
Leah Paulos—founder of Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School—shares 25+ years of experience working with authors from Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Neil deGrasse Tyson to reveal practical, affordable, and authentic publicity strategies.
In this conversation, Leah Paulos shares how writers can break through today’s crowded media landscape. She addresses common myths about publicity, what publishers actually do (and don’t), and why early preparation is essential. The conversation explores the value of small podcasts, niche influencers, and digital storytelling, as well as the growing importance of authenticity and integrity in building an audience. Paulos also highlights her commitment to creating more affordable PR options for emerging writers, offering insights relevant to both traditionally published and indie authors alike.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 6
Robert Rodriguez: The Long & Winding Road with a Beatles Expert
This week on Some Things Considered, I’m joined by Robert Rodriguez—award-winning author, creator of the Something About the Beatles podcast, and one of the most prolific chroniclers of the Fab Four and their cultural universe.
Robert has written or contributed to more than a dozen books, including Solo in the ’70s, The Beatles FAQ series, and the acclaimed Revolver: How the Beatles Reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roll. He’s a trusted voice in Beatles fandom, bridging rigorous scholarship with fan enthusiasm while also championing community, storytelling, and adaptation in a changing media landscape. Our conversation explores the arc of his creative career, the value of depth over breadth, why community matters for fans and storytellers alike, and how publishing has evolved from print to podcasts to social media. We also examine the Beatles as an endless source of curiosity, the challenges and joys of podcasting, what AI and the modern internet mean for researchers and writers, and Robert’s advice for new authors and cultural critics. His trajectory offers a compelling case study in 21st-century creative success: equal parts old-school passion, modern hustle, and dedication to the story.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 7
Whitney Matheson: Talking Shop with the Queen of Pop (Culture)
Whitney Matheson is best known as the creator of Pop Candy, the groundbreaking USA Today blog, and one of the most important and beloved pop culture writers of the past 25 years, whose career has been built on curiosity, enthusiasm, and the art of connecting people.
In this high-energy conversation, we explore Whitney’s career trajectory as a case study in the shifting fortunes of journalism, culture writing, and the arts in an era of technological disruption. We talk about the resilience required for creatives to adapt, how Whitney has continually reinvented herself without losing her distinctive voice, and the ways she has managed not just to evolve but to expand. Our discussion touches on her ability to stay attuned to cultural trends with enthusiasm, her movement between different creative forms, the importance of literary citizenship and community, and her candid views on the state of the humanities and cultural criticism today. More than a profile, this episode becomes a meditation on reinvention, resilience, and the joy of sharing what inspires you.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 8
Lisa Cooper Ellison: Writing, Resilience, and the Creative Life
In this episode, I talk with Lisa Cooper Ellison—author, speaker, and trauma-informed writing coach—about how to live a sustainable creative life.
Lisa, host of Writing Your Resilience, works at the intersection of storytelling and healing, helping writers transform difficult life events into meaningful art. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, Risk!, and more, and she recently completed her memoir Please Stage Dive Carefully: How I Survived My Brother’s Suicide and Forgave Myself. Our conversation ranges widely: from the many hats modern writers must wear, to cultivating curiosity and empathy without burning out, to what it means to “gaslight-proof” your practice. We discuss healthy boundaries, the risks of oversharing in an era of constant brand-building, and how to turn trauma into powerful creative work. Lisa also shares lessons learned as a podcaster, practical mindsets that support a rewarding process, and her evolving view of “literary citizenship.” The result is equal parts craft talk, creative therapy session, and masterclass in sustainable artistry.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 9
Karen Eber: The Art & Science of Storytelling
In this episode of Some Things Considered, I sit down with Karen Eber—TED speaker, award-winning author of The Perfect Story, and former Fortune 500 executive—to explore how storytelling works in the brain and why it’s powerful for connection and influence.
Our conversation ranges from the science behind why stories resonate to the practical skills that make them succeed—or fall flat. Karen shares insights on building trust and authenticity with your audience, recognizing the inherited narratives that shape our choices, and choosing the right story for the right moment. We talk about why some of the best storytellers are introverts, how leaders across industries use story to inspire, and how data becomes more impactful when framed as narrative. We also dig into the challenges of storytelling in an age of AI and misinformation, and why the best defense against “bad stories” is to tell better ones. This episode blends practical takeaways with big-picture reflections on how story shapes our lives, decisions, and culture.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 10
Caroline Bock & Jona Colson: Talking "America's Future" with Washington Writers' Publishing House
In this episode of Some Things Considered, I’m joined by Caroline Bock and Jona Colson, co-presidents of Washington Writers’ Publishing House, to celebrate the release of their new anthology America’s Future: poetry & prose in response to tomorrow.
Caroline (author of Carry Her Home) and Jona (author of Said Through Glass) share the story behind curating this landmark collection that coincides with the 50th anniversary of WWPH, the longest-running nonprofit cooperative literary press in the U.S. We talk about the conception and collaborative effort that shaped America’s Future, the importance of building community across local and global writers, and how the written word continues to respond to our sociopolitical moment. Along the way, they reflect on the intersections of writing, teaching, editing, and organizing, and each reads their own contribution from the anthology. Together, Caroline and Jona demonstrate why they’ve become vital literary citizens—championing inclusive voices and reminding us why creativity and story matter most in times of uncertainty.
S E A S O N 4 | E P I S O D E 11
Karen E. Bender: Literary Fiction, Storytelling, and the Times We Live In
In this episode of Some Things Considered, I sit down with acclaimed author and National Book Award finalist Karen E. Bender to explore the power and purpose of literary fiction in a rapidly changing world.
What role does fiction play in 2025—escape, reflection, or reckoning? Karen’s latest collection, The Words of Dr. L, confronts that question head-on. Her stories blend emotional depth with social insight, illuminating the contradictions and quiet truths of modern life. Together, we unpack how she shapes stories that balance political urgency with artistic nuance, the craft of weaving disparate narratives into a unified collection, and why literary fiction remains one of our most vital forms of truth-telling. We also discuss the shrinking institutional support for writers—from the shuttering of programs like the Iowa Summer Writing Festival to the growing reliance on nonprofits and community networks—and why, despite it all, fiction continues to nurture empathy and understanding in ways no other medium can.
Season 3
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 1
Jacob Silverman: Crypto, Chaos, & the Culture War
Today’s guest, journalist and bestselling author Jacob Silverman, joins me to discuss the 2024 election, MAGA tech oligarchs, Democratic messaging failures, and how technology is reshaping politics, culture, and communication.
Today’s guest is Jacob Silverman, who is an independent journalist and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud. He writes often about the politics of technology, the media, and is a contributing editor for The Baffler and The New Republic. Jacob and I compare notes on how we saw the 2024 election unfold (including predictions and assumptions we—and most journalists—made), and some of the myriad things that are different with Trump 2.0. One particular topic we go deep on is the unsettling, recent development of MAGA-supporting tech oligarchs, and how that money and influence has virtually reshaped our culture. We also take a crack at a personal obsession, which is why—and how—the Democrats have historically been so inept at crafting compelling or effective messaging. We also cover the ways technology is impacting everything from politics and academia to the arts. Jacob also has long been an astute observer of social media (in general) and the ways it at once connects and disrupts a global audience. Check out why I’ve been a big fan of Jacob, and see why you should begin following him, and look forward to his next book, coming later in 2025!
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 2
Matthew Shipp: Visions of Icons & Artistry
Avant-garde jazz pianist and composer Matthew Shipp discusses his new book Black Mystery School Pianists, his wide-ranging influences, deep convictions on art and creativity, and his journey through decades of groundbreaking music and New York’s vibrant 1980s scene.
Today’s guest is American avant-garde jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Matthew Shipp. Prolific and critically adored, Shipp has been praised by eclectic musicians ranging from David Bowie to Henry Rollins, and has recorded with virtually every significant contemporary jazz musician. Matthew joined me to talk about his new book Black Mystery School Pianists and Other Writings, which covers decades of his writing on subjects ranging from jazz icons, his own influences, and his voracious appetite for art and culture of all kinds. Matthew has many opinions, all of them deeply held and informed, and he shared his thoughts on everything from authenticity, discipline, community, and how to cultivate a creative existence. We also reminisced about the New York City scene of the mid 1980s, which was a much dirtier, diverse, and nurturing place; Matthew was part of a world where one might bump into anyone from John Zorn to Jean-Michel Basquiat. Matthew also talks about his discography, which is wide-ranging—from solo to trio and quartet work, as well as his cross-genre experimentations (some of which, from the early 2000’s, are among my favorite albums, particularly his collaborations with geniuses such as David S. Ware, William Parker, and DJ Spooky). This conversation, like Matthew’s music, went in many different directions, and anyone can learn a great deal from the trail Shipp has blazed.
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 3
Jessa Crispin: Cultural Criticism as Political Project
Jessa Crispin—author, editor of The Culture We Deserve, and one of my favorite cultural thinkers—joins me for a candid conversation on politics, class, narrative, and the ongoing challenges of being a working writer in the digital age.
Today’s guest is Jessa Crispin, one of my favorite go-to sources for cultural insight and inspiration. She’s the author of Why I Am Not a Feminist: A Feminist Manifesto, and The Dead Ladies Project. Currently, she is editor-in-chief of the awesome publication The Culture We Deserve. Jessa joins me to talk about everything from the present state of American politics, to how both class and education remain ubiquitous yet oddly—and annoyingly—under-discussed topics in our media, and especially amongst progressives. Jessa, suffice it to say, is a much-needed voice, and one more self-satisfied and myopic critics and opinion writers should pay attention to. We inevitably discuss craft and why effective narrative works, not only via essays, but political campaigns. We also compare notes on the challenges and opportunities of maintaining an online brand, building a community amongst creatives, and why it’s always been difficult to carve out a viable (much less paying) gig as a writer. Jessa is always refreshing, provocative, challenging, and honest, and I hope everyone tuning in becomes a fan and spreads the word.
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 4
Bill Miller & Leeya Mehta: International Literature as Cultural Force
I talk with Leeya Mehta and Bill Miller about the tenth anniversary of the Alan Cheuse Center, which Bill helped establish and Leeya now directs, as we explore their shared passion for international literature, the Center as a cultural force, and the vital role of educators.
Today’s guests are Leeya Mehta and Bill Miller, both of whom I admire as friends, artists, teachers, and occasional collaborators. Bill directed the creative writing program at George Mason University for more than two dozen years, and helped establish the Alan Cheuse Center. Leeya is the current Director of the Center, and is also a prize-winning poet, fiction writer and essayist. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Cheuse Center, and we talk about how this beloved institution went from idea to thriving cultural force. Bill and Leeya share a genuine passion for community and connection, and their combined super power is generating awareness of—and enthusiasm for—international literature. We discuss the thrills, challenges, and opportunities inherent in operating a center that serves students, artists, and the wider community. We also assess the role of teachers, advocates, and creatives in uncertain times (hint: we agree this is vital work, always, but especially when powerful forces are doing their worst to stymie and silence expression). You’ll come away from this conversation informed, inspired, and hopefully fired up.
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 5
Ed Simon: The Great American Novel Remains a Work-in-Progress
Ed Simon—Public Humanities scholar and editor—joins us to explore his Lit Hub piece on the “Great American Novel,” diving into what defines enduring American literature and why stories like Moby Dick still matter.
Today’s guest is Ed Simon, who is the Public Humanities Special Faculty in the English Department of Carnegie Mellon University and the Editor-in-Chief for Belt Magazine and the forthcoming Pittsburgh Review of Books. His essays have appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times and many others. He dropped by to discuss his recent piece from Lit Hub, “American Literature’s White Whale: Why the “great American Novel” is Still Worth Pursuing.” Our conversation tackled this question (spoiler alert: a resounding YES), and explores how the best American novels have had one consistent quality across the centuries: they all, in their way, interrogate and grapple with what America is, and the ways it falls short of its utopian designs. As such, we mention Hawthorne, Melville, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Morrison, and many other notable names, all of whom can make claims to writing the American novel. Inevitably, we talk about narrative, the importance of story not only for creative endeavors (duh), but the ways exceptional storytelling is utilized by politicians, tech oligarchs, and lowly lit nerds. If you are interested in a lively discussion about what makes a good book endure across generations (and cultures and languages), you’ll love this episode, and if you could use a reminder that Moby Dick rules, we’ve got you covered.
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 6
Jason Zinoman: For Comedians, PR & Branding is No Joke
Today’s guest, New York Times critic and author Jason Zinoman, joins me to discuss the growing pressure on artists—especially comedians—to prioritize self-promotion over craft, and what that shift means for creativity, cancel culture, and the future of stand-up.
Today’s guest is Jason Zinoman, a critic and author of Shock Value and Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night. He’s currently critic at large for the Culture section of the New York Times and writes a column about comedy. Jason became a blinking red light on my radar courtesy of his recent piece “For Comics, Honing Jokes Has Taken a Back Seat to Marketing. That’s Not Good.” Jason’s perceptive take confirmed a phenomenon I’ve both read a great deal about and experienced personally: that is, any artist, in today’s environment, is obliged to focus an increasing amount of time on promotion and PR. We explore the ways this might help the artist but hinder the art, and both how and why some creatives are better at this than others. Does it make sense to get professional help? Was it easier in the 20th Century? Are there silver linings to putting oneself more aggressively into the public sphere? These are some of the questions we tackle, all leading up to the current state of “cancel culture” and its implications, especially in stand-up comedy. Jason is super informed and full of valuable insights, and as you’ll see it was my extreme pleasure to speak with him.
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 7
Will Boast: Gut Feelings: Storytelling, Writing, and Indigestion
Today’s guest is Will Boast—author of Power Ballads, Epilogue, and Daphne—and we discuss his brilliant, darkly funny essay on indigestion, the literary giants who shared his struggle, and the broader intersections of writing, wellness, and modern absurdity.
Today’s guest is Will Boast, author of a story collection, Power Ballads, a memoir, Epilogue, and a novel, Daphne. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic, and The Guardian, among others. I love Will’s writing and was truly blown away by his recent piece in the Virginia Quarterly Review, “From the Gut: A Literary History of Indigestion.” This is long-form journalism at its best: informative, deeply researched, often amusing, at times disturbing, and a reminder that so many human beings, including beloved authors ranging from Voltaire to Twain, Kafka and Beckett, have all had tummy issues. As a fellow author who can’t boast of having a stomach of steel, I enjoyed comparing notes with Will, and appreciated his candid stories of his own adventures with food, writing, and a moody constitution. It was especially relevant to talk through the history of con artists and hucksters, particularly when the clownish RFK Jr. has inexplicably become America’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. We also, inevitably, talked craft, the lit industry, technology, and influences. If this conversation is a gateway introduction to the world of Will Boast, I’m pleased, and hope you’ll share his work widely.
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 8
Ryan Flahive: Fighting Disinformation and Inspiring Change
Today’s guest, Ryan Flahive—entrepreneur, podcaster, and Learning Technology & Publishing Executive—shares insights from his dynamic career in education, climate activism, and storytelling, emphasizing the power of narrative in driving meaningful change.
Today’s guest is Ryan Flahive, an entrepreneur, podcaster, and Learning Technology & Publishing Executive with deep experience in higher education, workforce development, and social impact. He is currently producer and host of CLIMATE CHANGERS, a podcast featuring interviews with scientists, activists, and other leaders. Ryan, and this conversation scarcely scratches the surface, has a long, varied, successful career, and he’s the rare individual who combines passion with expertise, and success has followed him from adventure to adventure. We talked about his amazing work and mission, as well as the necessity of wearing many hats in the creative realm. Ryan, like most influencers, wears multiple hats, and shares with me a conviction that effective narrative is the essential ingredient to telling good stories. We get into the nitty gritty of what makes for meaningful activism, and how spreading awareness about the climate is particularly challenging since there’s well-funded players trying 24/7 to remove all considerations that impact profits. Ryan frankly discusses the challenges, rewards, and opportunities of his work, and his belief in community building is profoundly inspiring. Whether you’re a writer, a non-profit employee, or entrepreneur, Ryan is an invaluable guide.
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 9
Shawn DuBravac: AI, Technology, and the Cultural Shift Ahead
Dr. Shawn DuBravac—NYT bestselling author, economist, futurist, and tech analyst—brilliantly explains emerging technologies and their implications, making complex ideas accessible as we explore AI, innovation fears, and our rapidly changing world.
Today’s guest is my longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Shawn DuBravac. Shawn is author of the New York Times bestseller Digital Destiny: How the New Age of Data Will Transform the Way We Work, Live, and Communicate. An economist, futurist, tech analyst, and public speaker, Shawn has always been my go-to guy when I want to better understand emerging technologies, or make necessary connections between what’s happening today to understand—and predict—what might happen tomorrow. Shawn is one of the most intelligent, curious, and charismatic people I know, and I’ve seldom encountered anyone who can talk effortlessly about complex issues in such a conversational, accessible way. This, of course, is a tremendous skill, and Shawn has been polishing his portfolio for decades. We, inevitably, get into the implications of AI, why our culture typically fears new innovations before embracing them, and how technology will impact everything from the classroom to the creative world. If you are really into tech or if you are looking for someone who can help make sense of a world that is quite literally changing, fast, each day, I can’t recommend anyone more highly than Dr. DuBravac!
S E A S O N 3 | E P I S O D E 10
Paula Whyman: In the Weeds: Writing, Identity, & Belonging
Paula Whyman, author of You May See a Stranger and the new memoir Bad Naturalist, shares insights on her blend of memoir and natural history, the solace of nature, the craft of writing, and the importance of community and literary citizenship..
Today’s guest is Paula Whyman, author of the collection You May See a Stranger, which received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. Her new book Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop is a blend of memoir, natural history, and conservation science. Her writing has appeared in myriad outlets, and she was co-founder and editor in chief of the literary journal Scoundrel Time. Paula and I discuss the story behind the story of her new memoir, and her real time training as a contemporary naturalist. Her book, filled with vivid descriptions of plants, insects, and one woman’s battle/love affair with seemingly everything that grows, flies, lives, and dies, is highly recommended, perhaps especially for anyone looking for a positive distraction from the chaotic “inner space” of today’s sociopolitical reality. I learned a great deal about everything from invasive species to non-native plants, all of which seem to mirror present discussions about immigration, identity, and ownership. Paula is not only a wonderful writer, but patient and passionate tour guide, and her words will resonate with outdoor enthusiasts and those with less green thumbs. We also talked about craft, teaching, the rewards and burdens of running a literary magazine, the solace of nature and the inspiration of one’s imagination. Inevitably, we also touched on the importance of community and the responsibility of being a good literary citizen.
Season 2
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Austin Robert Smith: Stanford's Self-Inflicted Indignity
Award-winning poet and educator Austin Smith joins Sean Murphy to discuss the crisis in academia, Stanford’s Creative Writing program upheaval, and how corporate culture threatens the Humanities.
We kick off Season 2 of Some Things Considered with a conversation continued from real life in real time. If you are in any way involved with (in no particular order) academia, writing, or the insanity of late-stage capitalism on a micro level, you might have read about what’s going on at Stanford, and the debacle occurring in their Creative Writing program.
Long story short: just as professors were preparing for the fall semester, they were notified (via Zoom, because of course) that the non-tenured teachers who account for most of the courses being taught to undergrads were being “future-fired” (meaning they would keep their jobs for a year or two and then be summarily dismissed from their duties, not for cause or because of financial constraints, but just…because). There’s a lot to unpack here, and I first heard rumblings about this unsavory development a couple of months ago; the other week there was an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education that broke down the situation in detail, and featured insights from Austin Smith, a beloved and well-published teacher who is at once appalled and blindsided by the university’s myopic decision. I naturally wanted to provide him an opportunity to share his experiences, and while we certainly discuss Stanford’s shenanigans, we also contextualize what’s happening as part of a much larger and ugly pattern we’re seeing in academia, specifically within Humanities departments, and both how and why the always-tenuous circumstances of creatives who love teaching is becoming a genuine crisis. Hint: in almost all cases, this is not because of budget cuts or hardships; it’s because of administrative bloat and the egregious ways colleges have been emulating the worst aspects of corporate culture. Austin is, in almost every way, the Platonic ideal of a contemporary professor: learned, passionate, and he actually, deeply cares about students. Sounds like someone a university should try to retain at all costs, right? I invite you not only to enjoy this conversation to learn more about Austin, but to get a better appreciation of what so many teachers (especially our ill-treated adjuncts who are trying to stay afloat in a system that’s equal parts abusive and dysfunctional), and to spread the word and get involved.
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Charles Bock: Writing Success in the Age of Overload
Award-winning author Charles Bock joins Sean Murphy to discuss his acclaimed new memoir I Will Do Better, the challenges of publishing in 2024, and the shifting academic landscape for creatives, including technological distractions and the enduring purpose of art.
Today’s guest is Charles Bock, author of the new memoir I Will Do Better, as well as the novels Alice & Oliver and Beautiful Children (which as a New York Times bestseller and Notable Book, and which won the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters). His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Newsweek, and in numerous anthologies.
Our discussion covered Charles’s experience, thus far, with his memoir (which, it should be stated, has garnered uniformly positive and enthusiastic reviews), but we also found time to discuss the state of “the industry” (as those of us who live in and struggle to define it say), and how a combination of info-overload, technological toys, and changing priorities make 2024 a particularly challenging time for creatives. We go deep into the tenuous academic model, which used to provide established writers stable pathways toward employment; for a variety of reasons (many of them due to our ever dysfunctional late-capitalist model), these opportunities have shrunk considerably, and even for those who have found success inside and outside the classroom, there’s a discernible air of uncertainty. We also come around, as all serious writers should and must, to the purpose of the work itself, and the need to eliminate distraction, and the pursuit of evanescent praise (see: social media). Charles, in short, has a refreshing old school sensibility, but he’s a vital contemporary artist who we all can learn from and be inspired by.
S E A S O N 2 | E P I S O D E 3
Louis Bayard: #1 Netflix Novelist Tells Oscar Wilde's Story
Louis Bayard, author of The Pale Blue Eye—adapted into a #1 Netflix release starring Christian Bale—joins Sean Murphy to discuss his latest novel, The Wildes, his meticulous research process, the craft of historical fiction, and seeing his characters brought to life on screen.
Today’s guest is Louis Bayard, the critically beloved and ever popular novelist, whose novel The Pale Blue Eye was adapted into the global #1 Netflix release starring Christian Bale. I’m honored to call Lou a friend, but I’ve been a fan since long before I met him, and it was a true pleasure to name him 1455’s Storyteller of the Year in 2022. The New York Times has written that Lou “reinvigorates historical fiction,” rendering the past “as if he’d witnessed it firsthand.” Anyone familiar with his work knows Lou combines brilliant storytelling with deep research, and his titles include like Courting Mr. Lincoln, Roosevelt’s Beast, The Black Tower, and Jackie & Me (ranked by the Washington Post as one of the top novels of 2022). A former instructor at George Washington University, his reviews and articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and Salon, and Lou is also a contributing writer to the Washington Post Book World.
Lou is, quite simply, one of the most productive, respected, and erudite writers of our times, and to top it off, he’s also one of the nicest human beings, in the literary or wider world. We connected to discuss his latest novel, The Wildes, which Joyce Carole Oates praises as “a boldly audacious re-visioning of the martyrdom of Oscar Wilde, one which would have astonished Wilde himself.” We talk about his painstaking research (which fuels all his work), his indefatigable imagination, the routines and habits of any successful writer, and what it’s like to see famous actors playing roles he created. An hour is never enough with Lou, but this conversation is a continuation of an ongoing dialogue I look forward to continuing soon.
S E A S O N 2 | E P I S O D E 4
Holly Karapetkova: Poet Laureate to Professor: Art Advocacy & Higher Education
Holly Karapetkova—poet and professor—joins Sean Murphy to discuss her forthcoming poetry collection, Dear Empire, her passion for teaching, and the state of higher education.
Today’s guest is the poet, professor, and arts advocate Holly Karapetkova. If you’ve been following anything I do, especially the year-round free programming of 1455, you already know Holly, because she is one of my favorite people and someone to whom I always take the opportunity to speak with: speaking with her on any topic is always enlightening and inspiring, and the primary purpose of today’s conversation is celebrating her forthcoming poetry collection, and comparing notes on the state of higher education. Holly brings informed opinions based on decades of classroom experience, and she has only become more committed to effective teaching.
In a profession that breeds burnout and cynicism like few others, Holly is entirely dedicated to reaching each new crop of undergrads, all of whom bring their own personal and cultural baggage, and molding not only better minds, but better human beings. Holly is Poet Laureate Emerita of Arlington County and the recipient of a 2022 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship. She is the author of two books of poetry, Words We Might One Day Say, winner of the 2010 Washington Writers’ Publishing House Poetry Award, and Towline, winner of the 2016 Vern Rutsala Poetry Contest from Cloudbank Books. Her third book, Dear Empire, was recently selected as co-winner of the 2024 Barry Spacks Poetry Prize and is forthcoming from Gunpowder Press. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in English and Comparative Literature and teaches at Marymount University in Arlington, VA.
S E A S O N 2 | E P I S O D E 5
Justen Ahren: Creativity, Community & Devotion to Art
Justen Ahren—poet, photographer, musician, and founder of the Noepe Center for Literary Arts—joins Sean Murphy to discuss his creative journey, the Devotion to Writing program, and how his passion for community, nature, and artistic exploration fuels his multifaceted work.
Today’s guest is Justen Ahren, a photographer, poet, musician and writing workshop facilitator. I met Justen at the Noepe Center a decade ago, and he and I share—among other things—a passion for writing and how to push creative boundaries, the rewards of cultivating communities (both in and outside artistic spaces), and balancing how to make a living and how to suck the marrow out of life, as Thoreau encouraged. Justen has, in addition to running the Noepe Center and producing his own work across multiple genres, been developing his Devotion to Writing program, which is at once a series of workshops, part of 1455’s Moveable Feast series, and an entire philosophy—and we talk in depth about what he’s done and plans to do going forward.
Speaking of Thoreau, Justen is the best contemporary comp for that American icon, although he’s as gregarious and positive as Thoreau was austere and solitary; he is fascinated by the ways our natural world compliments and encourages creativity, and once you’ve seen him in his day-to-day routine, his multi-faceted talents come into sharp, spectacular focus. Justen’s photographs are held in several private collections, and have been exhibited in both solo and group shows and at Miner Family Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard. He is Emeritus Poet Laureate of Martha’s Vineyard and founder of Noepe Center of Literary Arts. He has received two commissions for poetry from Wendy Taucher Dance Theater Opera, and one from John Sims’ Afro Dixie Project. His two poetry collections are A Strange Catechism (2013) and A Machine for Remembering (2019).
S E A S O N 2 | E P I S O D E 6
Jordan Blum: Prog Rock, Honest Criticism, & Mastering Modern Media
Writer, critic, and editor Jordan Blum sits down with Sean Murphy to talk about his evolution as a creative, the art of honest music criticism, his deep love for prog rock, and the stories behind his books on legendary bands like Jethro Tull and Dream Theater.
Today’s guest is Jordan Blum, a writer and critic I admire and hold up as an ideal example for anyone who is trying to figure out how to navigate an ever-evolving media landscape. I first met Jordan more than a decade ago when we both were columnists for PopMatters—contributing features, reviews, and interviews on everything from music and books to movies and politics. Jordan, like myself, is a music fanatic and it’s illuminating (and, yes, inspiring) to hear him discuss his early forays into criticism, his first bylines, and his maturation as a widely published editor and subject matter expert. He and I share an obsession with prog rock, and during our conversation we explore how it’s necessary to be honest, even when writing about a beloved band or musician (especially if it’s not a positive review).
Jordan holds an MFA in fiction and teaches composition and creative writing at several colleges/universities. Beyond that, he’s a past or present contributor to Grammy.com, Metal Injection, MetalSucks, PROG magazine, Consequence, WhatCulture, Loudwire, and Kerrang! Finally, his three books (On Track: Jethro Tull, On Track: Opeth, and On Track: Dream Theater) were published by Sonicbond Publishing.
S E A S O N 2 | E P I S O D E 7
Hannah Grieco: A Literary Powerhouse on Writing & Motherhood
Writer, teacher, editor, advocate, and literary citizen Hannah Grieco shares how she manages being insanely productive (and successfully published!), but also a devoted mother, friend, and cheerleader for the arts.
Today’s guest is Hannah Grieco, who, using baseball terminology is a five tool player: she’s a writer, a teacher, an editor, an advocate, and a literary citizen extraordinaire. She is also one of my favorite creative people, managing to be insanely productive (and successfully published!), but also a devoted mother, friend, and cheerleader for the arts. You may have read her work in The Washington Post, or Huffington Post, or The Rumpus, or in any number of other highly regarded lit journals. Her writing has been nominated for Best American Essays, The Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, Best Small Fictions, and Best Microfiction.
It’s been my pleasure to collaborate with Hannah many times, via 1455, and—proving the literary community in DC is tight and supportive—many of the other organizations and authors we know and support. Hannah, as I mention in this conversation, is a rare and refreshing person who’s incapable of dishonesty; this shines through in her work, but is also what makes her such an indefatigable champion for other people’s work. She’s got opinions (which is good), and they are all informed and insightful (which is better), and we check in on the state of our industry, academia, constant hustle being the “new normal” for creatives, and how to find balance between writing, life, and the daily grind. Hannah keeps it real in every sense of the word, and I hope—if you’re not yet familiar with her—you’ll become a fan once you hear her. She’s got wisdom to share, and while no one could copy her, everyone should be inspired by her example. Please enjoy this action-packed conversation!
S E A S O N 2 | E P I S O D E 8
Karen E. Bender and Robert Anthony Siegel: How to Adapt & Thrive as a Writer
Karen E. Bender and Robert Anthony Siegel, accomplished authors and longtime writing instructors, share insights on storytelling, teaching, and the evolving literary landscape, highlighting the importance of adaptation, technology, and creative community.
Today’s guests are dynamic duo and my favorite creative husband and wife team Karen E. Bender and Robert Anthony Siegel. Karen is author of the story collection Refund, which was a Finalist for the 2015 National Book Award in Fiction and also a Los Angeles Times bestseller. Her third collection of stories, The Words of Dr. L, will be published by Counterpoint Press in May, 2025. Robert is a writer, writing coach, and author of the memoir Criminals and two novels, All Will Be Revealed, and All the Money in the World. In addition, they have taught creative writing at the college level for more than two decades and are deeply dedicated literary citizens.
During our very busy conversation, we covered their recent—and forthcoming—writing, how teaching has changed (and, importantly, the ways it hasn’t), and how the state of the literary industry is ever-evolving. Key themes involve the necessity of adapting, embracing available technologies, and why community is a necessary, if often overlooked component of the artistic existence. Karen and Robert remain positive forces of inspiration, because they consistently operate at the highest levels of achievement (as writers, as teachers), but they are also incredibly kind and generous human beings; we need their example more than ever right now. Please enjoy this wonderful conversation!
S E A S O N 2 | E P I S O D E 9
Grant Shonkwiler: How Storytelling Powers Best-Selling Games
Grant Shonkwiler, a legendary figure in the gaming industry, shares his journey from programmer to mentor, offering insights on game development, storytelling’s role in business, the evolution of technology, and the power of authenticity, curiosity, and passion in creating meaningful connections.
Today’s guest is Grant Shonkwiler who, if you’ve been following the gaming industry during the last couple of decades, you already know as the legend he is. For those unfamiliar, Grant has built his reputation as a programmer, lead designer, technical producer, leadership coach, and author. (Even if you aren’t personally a gaming enthusiast, it’s almost impossible you’ve not heard of Doom and Fortnite—just two of the massively popular and influential projects Grant has worked on!) For today’s discussion, Grant reviews his career trajectory—from apprentice to master, from fan to mentor—through the consistent influences of curiosity and passion. In addition to insights provided about how best-selling games go from conception to execution to marketing, Grant also explains how storytelling impacts all aspects of the business. We also explore how technology is often if not always challenging (and challenged) before it becomes embraced and adopted; one could look at the ways gaming has—and hasn’t—changed and make myriad comparisons to the movie, music, and book industries. Perhaps the most critical ingredient of everything Grant has accomplished is an understanding that one can only succeed (as a gamer, as a writer, as a consultant) if one is able to make genuine connections: authenticity, along with curiosity and passion, is the special sauce that makes special things happen.
S E A S O N 2 | E P I S O D E 10
Jane Friedman: The Truth About AI and the Future of Writing
Jane Friedman, a leading expert on book publishing and the literary industry, shares invaluable insights on industry trends, the balance between writing and marketing, the state of literary magazines, and the impact of AI.
Today’s guest is Jane Friedman who, if you have even casually followed anything to do with book publishing and the state of the literary industry during the last two decades, you already know—and appreciate. Jane has been the consensus go-to for insights on trends, developments, and how to build a platform in the 21st Century. Named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023, Jane has been featured across countless media outlets, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN, BBC, NPR, and many others. Her guide The Business of Being a Writer is the book I most often recommend to anyone looking to get a handle on an industry that, while always evolving, is primarily driven by the same people: those writing and those seeking good writing. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Jane on many occasions, dating back to when I was an analyst for the technology industry (and we chatted about such new-fangled developments as eReaders and blogs!). Every time I speak with Jane, I learn new things about a world I’m deeply involved—and invested—in, so I can’t overstate how invaluable her perspective is. In this episode of Some Things Considered we cover what to be excited and/or concerned about (hint: people are still buying books!), how writers can and should balance their priorities as they relate to writing vs. marketing, we assess the health of lit mags, and inevitably, we talk a bit about AI. This conversation will, in sum, illustrate why Jane is my annual MVP of all-things literary.
Season 1
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Brian Broome: Flipping the Script on Toxic Masculinity
Award-winning author of Punch Me Up to the Gods Brian Broome discusses toxic masculinity, the art of political writing, and creating positive narratives around men with host Sean Murphy, author of the 2024 release This Kind of Man.
Brian Broome joins us to talk about issues of “maleness,” interrogating toxic masculinity, writing about men (and men’s health), the possibility of establishing positive narratives around men, and the art of political writing. Brian discusses both the artistic and existential notions of authenticity, and how honest engagement with false constructions (of gender, of class, of race relations, etc.) is a way to establish more constructive dialogue and understanding. We compare and contrast the ways effective storytelling works in the classroom, via memoir, and for the public, particularly anything that gets “political” in our current cultural environment. As a regular columnist for The Washington Post, Brian has valuable insights regarding how to use powerful writing as an impetus not only for education, but consensus. Not least, we explore the private vs. public lives of creatives, and why social media can be, naturally, both blessing and curse. If this is your first introduction to Brian, this conversation will help you understand why he is such a beloved and important presence in American culture.
S E A S O N 1 | E P I S O D E 2
James Millner: Building a Better Male
James Millner, Director of VA Pride, explores inclusivity, opportunity, and fostering positive sociopolitical conversations during an election year with host Sean Murphy.
Today’s guest is James Millner, Director of VA Pride at Diversity Richmond and LGBTQ advocate, whom Sean has known—and been inspired by—for several decades. This discussion covers the special urgency of messaging and awareness during an election year, and more broadly covers the evolving discourse about maleness, with a special focus on how far America has come (and how much work still needs to be done) in terms of inclusivity and opportunity. If we look at the ways “wokeness” has been attacked by cynical opportunists, are there effective ways to engage and initiate conversations (instead of simply accepting that our sociopolitical discourse is a zero sum game)? James has years of experience and is ideally positioned to articulate that while many of these matters play out in the political and cultural arena, they are, of course, human issues, and require all of us to find more positive and peaceful ways to work and prosper.
S E A S O N 1 | E P I S O D E 3
Jeannine Ouellette: The Intersection of Artistry & Advocacy
Sean Murphy hosts Jeannine Ouellette to discuss behind the scenes on building a thriving literary community and transforming lives with her newsletter Writing in the Dark!
Today’s guest is the one and only Jeannine Ouellette, who is not only a gifted and celebrated writer, teacher, and editor, but creator of the beloved Substack newsletter Writing in the Dark. In addition, she’s author of the memoir The Part That Burns (2021), and is the quintessential creative advocate and enthusiast. Our discussion gets behind the scenes of how literary community works: how one gets involved, how one involves others, and how artistic momentum can be sustained over time. Jeaninne describes how she’s built her incredibly popular and important newsletter community, literally one subscriber at a time, and how the combination of showing up and caring is what builds genuine relationships. All of this might sound either obvious or even banal, but for those of us who have spent time in an industry filled with solitude, rejection, and very transactional relationships, to defy cynicism and actually counter it with positivity is nothing short of miraculous. Jeannine, as you’ll see and hear, is a miracle: she brings her gifts to the world, but is equally interested in helping others locate, refine, and share their gifts. The sum total of her life’s work (in progress!) is a capacity to enlarge hearts, minds, and stories. This conversation is certain to be continued.
S E A S O N 1 | E P I S O D E 4
Courtney Maum: The Continuing Story of Literary Citizenship
Unlock the secrets of the publishing industry with host Sean Murphy and guest Courtney Maum, the literary champion behind countless successful writers.
Courtney Maum, to invoke Whitman, truly contains multitudes: she is a widely published and successful writer (fiction, non-fiction, essays, criticism, etc.) and a one woman ambassador for literary apprentices. Her deep knowledge, gained from years of experience, of all-things publishing is nicely captured in her indispensable book Before and After the Book Deal (2020), and is alive and well via her super popular newsletter of the same name. Courtney has assisted countless writers, and deeply believes in Community (with a capital C). We delve into how one becomes part of this world, how one can aspire to do meaningful work (creatively, within communities, spiritually) while also being a champion for others. All too often in recent years, so many stories coming from inside the publishing world are about lack of resources, closed doors, decreased opportunities; Courtney is proof that one person can make a difference, and she’s an inspiration for all of us to look beyond our own work and be involved in lifting up creatives—both the apprentices and the established. We are certain you’ll subscribe to Courtney’s substack after seeing her in action!
S E A S O N 1 | E P I S O D E 5
Sarah Trembath: Creative and Cultural Applications of Invitational Rhetoric
Sean Murphy hosts guest Sarah Trembath, who is revolutionizing the teaching of writing and promoting civic engagement through the innovative concept of Invitational Rhetoric!
Today’s guest is the writer, editor, and educator Sarah Trembath. Sarah has been teaching since 1998 and joined the faculty of American University in 2014 where she’s co-chair of the Critical Information Literary Committee; her written work has been widely published and anthologized and her most recent book is the poetry/creative non-fiction hybrid This Past Was Waiting for Me. Our discussion is part of a continuing dialogue we’ve enjoyed about creativity, community, the teaching of writing, and promoting civic engagement. While this conversation covers a lot of ground, the guiding topic is the concept of Invitational Rhetoric: what it is, how it’s effectively utilized (inside and outside the classroom), and why encouraging productive and respectful dialogue is particularly vital during an election year. Too much contemporary discourse (inside and outside the classroom!) quickly devolves into “I’m right, you’re wrong!” which serves little purpose other than perpetuating division; invitational rhetoric is an impactful tool for initiating conversation and accelerating the possibility of progressive cultural change.
S E A S O N 1 | E P I S O D E 6
Whitney Collins: Are Short Stories the Key to Success?
Multiple award-winning author of Big Bad Whitney Collins discusses her new collection Ricky and Other Love Stories, the art and craft of short fiction, and how to be an active participant in the literary world circa 2024.
Whitney Collins joins us to discuss—and celebrate—her brand-new collection Ricky and Other Love Stories. Whitney describes the unique ways short fiction works, and why this form (traditionally disdained by the Lit Industry as not being sufficiently “commercial,” prompting the by-now cliched question even a successful short story writer hears “what about a novel?”) seems uniquely situated for our current attention-deficit / info-overload cultural moment. Whitney unpacks why short fiction appeals to her and has helped her development an aesthetic that often does what the best flash fiction achieves: delivering quick punches that land and linger. Whitney also talks about the responsibilities of literary citizenship and why being part of a community (or, circa 2024, a number of micro-communities) is at once necessary and, for the writer, refreshing. Aspiring writers looking for inspiration and guidance will appreciate Whitney’s thoughts on the importance of putting one’s work out to a wide variety of outlets, especially contests—which can provide an author with invaluable exposure that leads to other opportunities.
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Steven L. Herman: Behind the Scenes & Untold Stories from the White House
Award-winning journalist and author Steven L. Herman joins to discuss his new book Behind the White House Curtain, his decades of covering U.S. presidents, and the evolving relationship between the press and the presidency.
Today’s guest is Steven L. Herman, author, teacher, and chief national correspondent for the Voice of America. His latest book, Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story of Covering the President—and Why It Matters, was published in June. Steve was one of the first guests for the new Speaker Series I curate for the Center for Story at Shenandoah University, and he was on my podcast wish list as the election year chaos shifts into overdrive. In addition to discussing his book, which covers his decades of experience on the front lines, culminating with some truly surreal stories from the (first?) Trump presidency, Steven describes his formative years, and how he cultivated the skills necessary to rise to the very top of the super competitive journalism industry. Steve is also a walking and talking encyclopedia of American political history, and his insights on how the always uneasy relationship between presidents and the press are invaluable and fascinating. Naturally, this conversation explores the dynamics of the current election cycle, and what to look for in the weeks and months ahead. We hear so much—often from cynical and opportunistic insiders—about lack of trust in the media, and Steven is the gold standard for how objective, critical, and useful reporting is a genuine American tradition that informs (rather than senselessly dividing) our citizens. For more about Steve, check him out online at steveherman.press
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Jon Madof: How to Survive--and Thrive--in the Music Industry
Guitarist and producer Jon Madof joins Sean Murphy to discuss his music career, co-founding CHANT Records, and building a DIY studio, offering insights on creativity and supporting fellow artists.
Today’s guest is guitarist, composer, producer, and bandleader Jon Madof. Based in New York, Jon is the leader of several bands, including Zion80 and Rashanim, and has released seven albums on Tzadik Records. In addition, Madof is co-founder of the prolific and eclectic CHANT Records label. I have known Jon for two decades and followed his remarkable career as a fan, critic, and friend. Our conversations, dating back to my days as a tech analyst, have always revolved around the challenges and opportunities of contemporary creativity, and how it’s incumbent on artists to both understand and utlize available technology. Jon is an original and multi-faceted musician, but he also strongly advocates for fellow artists—he leads by example and the music he has made possible through his CHANT Records label is no small miracle. Jon gives his always-insightful take on the current landscape: what he’s learned, and what led him to create a DIY recording studio in his basement. While any aspiring musician can learn a great deal from Jon, his words of wisdom are recommended for any creative looking to find a foothold in a rapidly changing (and yes, intimidating) environment. How does one balance imagination, discipline, promotion, and being an active part of a community? This conversation will shed light on how the hard work gets done, and typically ends up being its own reward. Explore Jon’s music and more at jonmadof.com
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Deesha Philyaw: A Literary Icon on Creating a Positive Platform
Deesha Philyaw joins Sean Murphy to discuss her writing journey, her acclaimed debut The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, forthcoming novel The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, literary advocacy, supporting underrepresented voices, and the impact of success.
Today’s guest is the award-winning author and literary queen Deesha Philyaw. Her debut short story collection The Secret Lives of Church Ladies won the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, and was a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction. Deesha is also a Baldwin for the Arts Fellow, and co-host of two podcasts, Ursa Short Fiction (with Dawnie Walton) and Reckon True Stories (with Kiese Laymon). Her debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, is forthcoming in 2026. Deesha has been featured in the 1455 Author Series, and been a repeat speaker at the 1455 StoryFest, and she’s been busy and productive since she and Sean last spoke on air. In addition to her writing and travels, Deesha has established herself as an indispensable voice for writers, using her growing platform to find positive and effective ways to help authors (especially under-represented voices) find publication. Deesha and Sean discuss what being a true literary citizen entails, and why championing the work of individual writers creates momentum for all creatives. Deesha provides detail about what it’s like to find success later in one’s life (after having written diligently for many years) and why a breakthrough book like Secret Lives served as both validation and motivation for more writing. No one can read Deesha’s words without being moved (and quite possibly changed, for the better), and no one will listen to her speak without being entertained, amused, and inspired. Find out about everything Deesha is up to these days at deeshaphilyaw.com
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Mark Katz: Redemption on Death Row: The Power of Story
Host Sean Murphy and Mark Katz, writer and music expert, discusses his new book Rap and Redemption on Death Row, co-authored with Alim Braxton. Katz also talks about his hip-hop diplomacy work and the power of creativity.
Today’s guest is the writer, professor, music expert and advocate Mark Katz. Dr. Katz, after receiving his PhD in muscilogy, has spent the last several decades writing, teaching, thinking about, and proselytizing the power of music; his accomplishments and publications are too numerous to list, but please visit him online to get a handle on the scope of his work and ongoing projects. The topic of today’s discussion was his new book Rap and Redemption on Death Row, co-authored with incarcerated musician Alim Braxton. I would describe this text as at once a compelling and necessary read, equal parts personal story of discovered purpose, history lesson, indictment of the American justice system (and our prisons), and advertisement for the power of creativity. Katz, having talked the good talk, walked the good walk (he is also Founding Director of the U.S. State Department hip hop cultural diplomacy program Next Level, established in 2014), connected with Alim via a letter, and their relationship—with led to a personal friendship and collaboration—is the basis of this remarkable story. We also talk about the formative influence of falling in love with art, the necessity of creativity, and the always humbling influence of learning (from others, about ourselves). Dr. Katz is one of the most positive and deep human beings I know, and it’s an absolute honor to share this conversation. Learn more about Dr. Katz here: https://music.unc.edu/people/musicfaculty/mark-katz