Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 314 | From The West Wing to The Diplomat: Debora Cahn's Masterclass in Storytelling | 29 Oct 2026 | 01:03:45 | |
This week on The Screenwriting Life, Meg LeFauve and Joe Forte sit down with Debora Cahn, creator and showrunner of Netflix's The Diplomat, for a fascinating, candid, and deeply insightful conversation about the craft of writing television. With an extraordinary career that includes The West Wing, Homeland, Grey's Anatomy, and Fosse/Verdon, Cahn has spent decades mastering the art of sophisticated, character-driven storytelling. Now, she takes us behind the scenes of The Diplomat to reveal how the series came to life, how its most shocking twists were developed, and why the show's complicated relationships are just as essential as its international political crises. Cahn breaks down the origins of The Diplomat, including the influence of Shonda Rhimes, the lessons she learned working with some of television's greatest writers, and the challenges of building a serialized drama for the streaming era. She explores how to balance explosive political stakes with intimate emotional conflict, why characters should never be just one thing, and how personal experiences can become the foundation for unforgettable television. The conversation also dives into the realities of running a writers' room, collaborating with other writers, managing creative disagreements, and building a show where every department has a meaningful artistic voice. Cahn shares her approach to writing morally complicated characters, the importance of communication failures in human relationships, and how the shifting political landscape has influenced the stories The Diplomat tells. And in a refreshingly candid discussion, she reveals why writing can feel like dental work, how even the most accomplished writers struggle with the process, and what she's learned about leadership, confidence, and trusting the people around her. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 313 | From Pitch to Netflix: How Felicia Pride Reimagined A Different World | 22 Oct 2026 | 00:49:10 | |
What does it take to bring one of television’s most beloved shows back to life while making it resonate with an entirely new generation? This week on The Screenwriting Life, Lorien McKenna sits down with acclaimed writer, director, producer, and author Felicia Pride, the creative force behind Netflix’s Sequel of A Different World. Felicia takes us inside the creative process of reimagining an iconic series, from developing the original pitch and selling it to Netflix to tackling the enormous challenge of writing a pilot that honors the past while establishing something entirely new. She shares her approach to outlining, finding a show's tone, developing compelling characters, and navigating the complicated world of studio notes. But this conversation goes far beyond one television show. Felicia opens up about finding her voice as a writer, breaking into television later in life, the mentors who helped shape her career, and the importance of creating opportunities for other storytellers. She also discusses her production company, Honey Chile, her passion for telling stories centered on Black women, and the creative philosophy behind her writing workbook. Along the way, Lorien, and Felicia explore the emotional realities of being a working writer: trusting your instincts, surviving the uncertainty of Hollywood, finding joy in the process, and having the courage to tell the stories only you can tell. Whether you're developing your first pilot, navigating studio notes, or trying to reconnect with your creative voice, this episode is packed with practical insights, hard-earned wisdom, and inspiration for building a sustainable life as a storyteller. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 312 | Your LAVA Is Not Your PLOT | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:45:23 | |
You know what your story is about. You know why it matters to you. You might even have a deeply personal, emotionally powerful idea at its center. But here's the question: Do you actually have a plot? This week on The Screenwriting Life, Meg LeFauve, Lorien McKenna, and Joe Forte dig into one of the most essential distinctions in storytelling: the difference between your lava, the emotional truth burning underneath your story, and your plot, the choices, actions, and obstacles that bring that truth to life. Too often, writers mistake one for the other. They know what they want to say, but struggle to figure out what actually happens. Or they build an elaborate series of events without understanding the emotional engine driving them. Either way, the result can be the same: a story that feels stuck, repetitive, or disconnected from what made you want to write it in the first place. Through personal writing experiences, practical examples, and an exploration of how stories develop, Meg, Lorien, and Joe unpack why lava and plot are equally essential, but fundamentally different. They discuss how to identify the emotional core of your story without getting trapped inside it, why your protagonist's choices are crucial to generating plot, how to create an engine that keeps a story moving, and why sometimes the hardest part of writing is letting go of the version of the story you originally imagined. The conversation also explores the differences between building stories for features and television, finding momentum when a project isn't working, and learning to recognize when you're exploring something emotionally meaningful versus actually moving your narrative forward. Because your lava might be the reason you need to tell the story. But your plot is what allows an audience to experience it. Whether you're struggling with an outline, lost in Act Two, or trying to figure out why a deeply personal project isn't coming together, this episode will help you reconnect with the heart of your story and figure out what needs to happen next. You are not alone. Keep writing. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 311 | The Quintessential PITCHING Crash Course w/ Jessica Sharzer | 24 Sep 2026 | 01:33:32 | |
Jessica Sharzer joins Meg and Lorien to give an in depth look into pitching. Not only does she get incredibly specific. Her generosity with her time and her ability to convey so succinctly and with such clarity throughout the episode is what makes her one of the best at pitching in the business. Everything from loglines to decks to television vs. film and even answering your questions. This episode is one to replay again and again. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 310 | Bringing Your Phyiscal Life To Your Writing w/ Coach Khatchig Chouljian | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:49:09 | |
Today Joe Forte is join by fitness coach, Khatchig Chouljia for a very different way of attacking the writing process. Coach Khatcho is s the founder and head coach of MindBodyFit, a private fitness and health coaching studio based in Glendale, California. With his understanding of cognitive science, he brings a less is more approach to fitness. Joe and he dive into the 70 percent approach, and they dive into how Coach Khatcho's approach to fitness really is so similar to the writing process and all tips can easily apply to the page. He also of course gives some great, quick and easy exercises to refresh after sitting at the desk for a while. Inspiring and important for your writing and your health. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP. 309 | The Deepest Dive Into STRUCTURE w/ John Yorke | 27 Aug 2026 | 01:05:02 | |
Meg LeFauve is joined by fellow story junkie and world-leading expert in narrative and a winner of multiple awards, including BAFTAs and a Golden Globe, John Yorke. John's first book, Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them His newest release and follow up - Trip To The Moon: Understanding The True Power of Story shifts the focus from how fictional screenplays work to how storytelling shapes the real world. This episode covers a wide range of topics from structure to theory and more. Story Structure and Why Stories WorkThe Midpoint as the Moment a Character Encounters the “Lesson”The Midpoint → Crisis → Climax ProgressionStorytelling as a Version of the Scientific MethodConflict and Why Writers Avoid Hurting Their CharactersCharacters, Belief Systems, and Psychological ChangeMirroring and Character OppositesTrip to the Moon and Storytelling Beyond ScreenwritingWhat are your fears for AI/Is there a use?What Makes a Great Climactic ActionCreating Emotion in the AudienceMovies vs. Television and Cliffhangers Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 308 | WRITING EXERCISE: Go DEEPER With Your Characters | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:49:13 | |
Lorien McKenna is joined by TSL producer Alex Alcheh for a really exciting exercise. Get out your pen and paper, make 4 quadrants and follow along. Lorien asks specific questions about YOUR LIFE to unlock the depth a character should have. They discuss character introductions and how most have such little specificity. Lorien highlights the import to ask questions of your own life so you can ask those questions about your characters. And, she gives one additional exercise within the exercise - The Trader Joe's Test. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 307 | Inside THE PITT'S Writers Room w/ Simran Baidwan | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:55:52 | |
Meg LeFauve is joined by Simran Baidwan, former power house lawyer turned brilliant writer and executive producer of HBO's hit show, THE PITT. Simran's thorough and eloquent advice for emerging writers mixed with her raw and real honesty about why The Pitt's writers room is so special is such a gift. Simran speaks on how they build a season for The Pitt. What happens when an idea shifts the plot lines for the season, and how she attempts to see it as a writing opportunity rather than an "OH S*IT" moment. And so much more!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 306 | The Importance Of Being A Writer Advocate w/ Betsy Beers | 16 Jul 2026 | 01:06:30 | |
Betsy Beers is a stallwart producer of film and television having been the creative partner of Shonda Rhimes at Shondaland since its inception, shepherding every project the company has ever produced from Grey's Anatomy to Bridgerton. Lorien, Meg and Betsy dive deep into what it really means to produce at a high level and even more importantly Betsy's specific style of producing which in her words means - doing whatever is needed to make the thing go and to make the writer feel most comfortable to do their best work.
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| Ep. 305 | Overcoming The Dreaded ACT TWO | 02 Jul 2026 | 01:06:26 | |
Act two is every emerging AND professional writers white whale. It is consistently the most challenging part of writing a screenplay and yet the most critical. Lorien and Meg dive deep into how to approach Act Two, offering a piece by piece breakdown and expectation of what should occur in Act Two. Providing clear examples from some of the best films. They also answer YOUR specific questions as well. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 304 | A Tapesetry of World Building and Characters w/ Jennifer L. Armentrout | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:44:37 | |
Jennifer L. Armentrout, the phenomenal New York Times Bestselling author of the Flesh and Fire Series, The Blood and Ash Series and so much more, dives deep with Lorien McKenna. They discuss Jennifer's process and how she keeps such high concept sci/fi romance with so many worlds, timelines and characters afloat and fresh. They also talk through the challenges of the publishing world. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 303 | How To Welcome The Mess! (Ultimate Adventures In Screenwriting) | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:47:34 | |
Meg, Joe and Lorien have another round of The ULTIMATE Adventures In Screenwriting. Diving into their weeks which always leads to deep thoughts and important realizations. The thesis for today's episode how to live in the mess. Not fear it, not try to rush through it but truly welcome it. But, there is a time and place for that mess and that is on the page. They talk about the importance of clearing their email inbox, taking care of the "annoying" life things before sitting down to write and how that can be freeing. A lot more on this very open episode. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 302 | Finding The Authenticity & Tone Of Margo's Got Money Troubles w/ Eva Anderson | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:59:17 | |
Meg LeFauve is joined by co-showrunner of the hit Apple series, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Eva Anderson, to talk all things crafting one of the best series of the year. She gives keen insight into her time on Your The Worst, where she really learned how to break a season. As well as what she learned from being a playwright and working in reality television. Meg and Eva deep dive into what it's like to work with television giant, David E. Kelly, and how going against character expectation can be a major blessing. Eva has hired a first time television writer for the season 2 room of Margo. Her insight into why she chose this writer may be a bit different than you'd expect. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 301 | The Shakespearean Level Stakes of NEMESIS w/ Courtney A. Kemp | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:51:27 | |
Lorien McKenna is joined by Co-Creator and showrunner of the hit Netflix Series Nemesis. Courtney talks about seeing her protagonists in ACTION, how she created worthy adversaries, and how the pilot really is the show. Courtney adores Shakespeare and highlights how season 6 of her first smash hit, Power is as she says "Richard The Third". A fabulous episode filled with incredible inspiration for new and emerging writers. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 300 | SHOP TALK: Can You And SHOULD You Work On Multiple Projects? | 28 May 2026 | 00:36:15 | |
Lorien McKenna and Joe Forte hop into the shop to get specific and about their work. Answering the question of multiple projects. How many projects are too many? How do they keep track of ideas and projects? Does multiple projects mean writing only or can another art form feed your writing? A beautifully insightful episode. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 299 | Lessons From Judd Apatow & Being In The Cut! w/ Andrew Jay Cohen | 21 May 2026 | 01:00:48 | |
Joe sits down with Writer/Director/Producer Andrew Jay Cohen who is in the thick of post production on his latest directorial offering, Soapbox written by Max Barbakow and David Duchovny. Before diving into the weeds with his directorial and post production process, Andrew gives insight on what he took from his time working alongside Judd Apatow for a number of years on films like Anchorman, 40 Year Old Virgin and more. Andrew is incredibly honest about his perfectionist streak and the freedom that Apatow's approach to the script and production gave him. He also talks about what having a critical & box office bomb taught him and how his first major success, Neighbors was a dream come true. He dives into a bit of the post production process for Soapbox with Joe. Gems Gems Gems!
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| Ep. 298 | The Layers That Build The Muppets Special w/ Albertina Rizzo & Kelly Younger | 14 May 2026 | 01:02:13 | |
The Muppets are beyond iconic and have over 50 years of canon to draw from. Meg chats with showrunner of The Muppets Special, Albertina Rizzo & writer on the special, and returning guest, Kelly Younger, on their approach, execution, how they ran the writers room, and so much more. They also dive into building sketch comedy, variety shows and Meg asks a few questions about the latest season of Jury Duty for Albertina and, Kelly is a fairy tale expert! So, a top 3 fairy tales for writers was needed. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 297 | The Craft Of Creating An IP Based Action Film w/ Jeremy Slater | 07 May 2026 | 00:58:03 | |
Mortal Kombat II is out in theaters this weekend! Joe Forte chats with writer Jeremy Slater about taking on the second installment of an iconic video game turned film franchise. With so many characters and plot points to navigate, fight sequences to think about and beyond, how does one put that on the page and keep it fresh and exciting for all involved and all who hope to enjoy it? Jeremy provides a plethora of gems on the business and the craft in this thought provoking, action packed episode.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 296 | The ULTIMATE Adventures In Screenwriting | 30 Apr 2026 | 01:06:30 | |
This week we have an old school Meg and Lorien dive deep into the life and world of screenwriting. The day to day life stuff. The bucket of S*it stuff. The things that swirl in your head stuff. And the, "I still have to write" stuff. If you want to feel seen, heard, understood and connected to others and have a good laugh... this is the episode for you!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:29:42 | |
Lorien and Meg have asked numerous guests the same important questions, What are the elements of a good scene? You will hear different ideas from the industries best including: Melissa Rosenberg (Dexter) Derek Kolstad (John Wick) Maggie Lane & Eric Jarboe (Hotel For The Holidays/Christmas Switch) Dana Fox (Wicked) Alex Woo & Erik Benson (In Your Dreams) Chandler Baker (Oh.What.Fun.) Jesse Andrews (Hoppers) Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 294 | TSL Workshops Check In w/ Danicah Waldo & Emily Roberson | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:54:37 | |
TSL Workshops are one of the two tent poles of The Screenwriting life. Folks a part of the TSL Workshops community participate in two live zooms with Meg and Lorien per month. One, a Q & A about anything and everything writing and the business and the other, a select few get picked each month to "pitch" their stories/scripts to Meg and Lorien. The two then dive deep with the writer, asking questions, pushing to get answers and give constructive feedback to bring the writers to the next level of their stories. Danicah and Emily both pitched their stories in one of the zooms and now are back to share the unlock moment for them, what they shifted and where they are now in their process.
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| 293 | The Wild World Of Verticals Feat. Shelby Farrell | 09 Apr 2026 | 01:02:29 | |
With the industry in a contraction, writers are trying to figure out how to find steady work. ENTER - VERTICALS! Lorien is joined by writer and creator Shelby Farrell who has developed numerous features and verticals. She offers a premium program, Flipping The Screen, teaching writers to write for the new medium. Shelby walks through the pros and cons of the space as well as the keys to writing a successful version of one. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 292 | What "Finding Your People" Really Means In This Business w/ Maggie Gottlieb, David F.M. Vaughn & Sean Presant | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:55:17 | |
Lorien is joined by Maggie Gottlieb, Sean Presant & David F.M. Vaughn, colleagues and friends from the writers room of the Tabitha Brown led Youtube show, Tab Time. They get real about the realities of networking in this business and what we should be focusing on: real, genuine connection. Making friends. Supporting each other. Lifting each other up. ____________ Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 291 | MAILBAG! Meg And Lorien Answer YOUR Questions | 26 Mar 2026 | 01:02:07 | |
On this edition of TSL, Meg and Lorien giving a wonderful mix of answers to some phenomenal listener questions, from detailed craft questions, to the business piece and everything in between. What do you do with your script after you've written it? How do you approach producers? Animated vs. Live Action - How to decide? How to get into the business if you don't live in a major market? Mindset of a writer. And so much more! ____________ Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 290 | Aaron Tracy On Building An Audio Drama | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:07:08 | |
Lorien is joined by founder of Parallax Audio, writer of audio fiction and television, Aaron Tracy. Aaron is incredibly well spoken and clear on his process with both television and audio. They talk a bit about the differences and the similarities when it comes to putting both on the page. Aaron debunks a lot of do's and don'ts when it comes to writing for the medium and he gives sage advice throughout. Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 289 | Crafting A High Concept Pixar Film w/ Hoppers Writer Jesse Andrews | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:59:23 | |
Pixar's Hoppers writer, Jesse Andrews, joins Meg to dive into all things Pixar process. They start with Jesse's intriguing journey into writing, from Art History in college to novels to adapting his novel (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl), to animation with his first film, Luca. Then, they talk shop and craft through the lens of the recent fantastically hilarious, high concept, Hoppers. Jesse's collaborative spirit is on full display throughout and really instills the reasoning behind why leaving ego at the door is the key to creating. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 288 | Bridgerton Showrunner & Head Writer Jess Brownell On The Dazzling Season 4 | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:48:22 | |
*BRIDGERTON SEASON 4 SPOILER WARNING* Lorien is joined by the fabulous and uber talented showrunner/writer Jess Brownell. Jess has been showrunning Bridgerton for Shondaland/Netflix since season 3, but it took her quite a while to get a shot in a writers room. Jess walks us through her journey to one of the most popular shows in television history. She then dives into the mechanics and nuances of how she and her team crafts a season, specifically for season 4 and Benedict falling in love with Sophie, the upstairs/downstairs piece, the homages to iconic love stories on screen and oh so much more.
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| 287 | Oscar Nominees Joachim Trier And Eskil Vogt On Doing It Your Way | 26 Feb 2026 | 01:05:07 | |
Joe Forte dives DEEP this week with the singular and brilliant Oscar nominated duo behind Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt. The two discuss their unique partnership which started with a tremendous appreciation and equal love of film in their late teens. Joachim and Eskil are so eager and gracious to give such insight into their process and what they believe to be the importance of craft and how they shape a script that leads to Joachim's direction; starting with character and themes instead of plot. Not painting by numbers. And utilizing their individuality to craft a film. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP. 286 | The Magic And Challenges Of Creative Partnership w/ Meg LeFauve & Joe Forte | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:53:14 | |
An incredibly fun episode today! Lorien is in the host driver seat, chatting with Meg and her husband and writing partner Joe Forte about the art of collaboration and the process of writing with a partner. They both share with great vulnerability their challenges with it, and their absolute love of working together. What did they learn from another couple who does the same? What tools have they picked up along the way during their 30 years of marriage? Could they have done this when they were younger? And so much more. A delightful exploration of their journey together and the power of connection through story. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 285 | Train Dreams Writer/Directors Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley On Daring To Slow Down | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:55:05 | |
The fabulous duo behind Sing Sing and this years Oscar nominee, Train Dreams, Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley join TSL to talk about their inspiring partnership and the process of Train Dreams. Greg and Clint give us a sense of their unique partnership; Who is the glass half full, how they decide who writes and directs and the intricacies of their writing process. Joe Forte joins Meg on this episode to talk with Greg and Clint about the special film, Train Dreams, and all that went into the challenges of crafting a feature from a 118 page novella. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 284 | "Oh. What. Fun." Writer Chandler Baker On Going From Novel To Screenwriting | 07 Feb 2026 | 00:53:26 | |
Chandler Baker joins us to talk about her hilarious and heartfelt Christmas adventure, "Oh. What. Fun." Chandler has worn many hats in her life. She walks us through her journey of being a lawyer turned New York Times Bestselling novelist, and now an acclaimed screenwriter. To finish off the episode, Chandler reveals to Lorien her devout listenership to TSL! --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh and audio engineered and mixed by Urban Olsson.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 283 | The Art of the Character Introduction | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:40:56 | |
In this special craft supercut, we gather wisdom from recent guests on one essential question: how do you introduce a character? From subtle entrances to defining first actions, writers including Sharon Horgan, George Saunders, Dana Fox, and Akiva Goldsman share how they think about character, voice, and point of view from the very first moment. Featured writers:
--- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz, edited by Kate Mishkin, and audio engineered and mixed by Urban Olsson. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 282 | In Your Dreams Writer/Directors Alex Woo & Erik Benson on Writing Animated Features | 27 Jan 2026 | 01:06:16 | |
IN YOUR DREAMS writer/directors Alex Woo and Erik Benson join us to talk about writing animated features - from storyboarding as a form of rewriting to building emotional stakes in fantastical worlds. Alex and Erik break down collaboration in animation, adapting personal experiences for family storytelling, and why animated characters must be treated as real, complex people. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz, edited by Kate Mishkin, and audio engineered and mixed by Urban Olsson. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 279 | Rian Johnson on Writing High-Concept Stories with Deep Emotional Stakes | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:53:30 | |
Rian Johnson (KNIVES OUT, LOOPER, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI) joins Meg for a deep craft conversation about balancing bold, high-concept ideas with intimate emotional storytelling. Rian breaks down how character - not plot mechanics - is the engine behind mystery, world-building, and genre, from crafting unforgettable character introductions to using theme as a dramatic misdirection tool. They also explore how emotion drives high-concept rules, how to write suspects with clarity, and why outlining is essential when juggling complex narratives. A masterclass in marrying big ideas with human stakes from one of today’s most distinctive storytellers. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 280 | Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer on Creative Partnership, Process, and Permission | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:46:06 | |
Noah Baumbach (MARRIAGE STORY, FRANCES HA) and Emily Mortimer (THE PURSUIT OF LOVE, DOLL & EM) join Lorien to talk about co-writing their new Netflix film JAY KELLY, from long conversations and false starts to discovering the emotional core of the story together. They talk about writing without outlines, why not knowing is part of the job, how acting informs writing, and the surprising gift of having permission to be “whimsical, wrong, and brave” before locking a script into shape. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 281 | Wicked: For Good Writer Dana Fox on High-Concept Movie Ideas | 15 Jan 2026 | 01:11:13 | |
Dana Fox (WICKED, WICKED: FOR GOOD) returns to talk about high-concept movie ideas and why the premise matters more than ever. Dana breaks down what makes an idea market-ready, how to tell if a concept has real gas in the tank, and why emerging writers should focus on selling the idea before perfecting the execution. She also reflects on writing WICKED as two films, crafting emotional payoff over time, and why - even at the highest level - writing never gets easier. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz, edited by Kate Mishkin, and audio engineered and mixed by Urban Olsson. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 278 | The Screenwriting Life: Joy, Frustration, Advice & Pride (TSL 2025 Supercut) | 01 Jan 2026 | 01:38:20 | |
As we close out 2025, we’re sharing a special supercut of our 2025 guests answering the Big Questions we ask every writer: What brings you the most joy when it comes to writing? What frustrates you about your writing? What advice would you give your younger self? And, new this year - What’s your proudest career moment to date? An honest and inspiring supercut featuring voices from across film and TV, reflecting on why we write, what makes it hard, and what makes it all worth it. Featured Guests: 00:00:24 - Clint Bentley (Episode 230) --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 277 | Scriptnotes Hosts John August & Craig Mazin: The Craft Lessons That Matter Most | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:54:47 | |
John August and Craig Mazin - hosts of the legendary Scriptnotes podcast - join us for a wide-ranging conversation inspired by their new book, Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters. We talk about why rigid structure can miss the point, how theme emerges from character, what fear and denial really look like on the page, and how writers can survive rejection without letting it define them. A candid, funny, and deeply reassuring conversation for writers at every stage. A special thanks to Scriptnotes producer Drew Marquardt and editor Matthew Chilelli for their support with this episode. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 276 | The Naked Gun Writers Doug Mand & Dan Gregor on Fearless Comedy and Trusting the Process | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:53:15 | |
In this episode, THE NAKED GUN writers Doug Mand and Dan Gregor take us inside the making of one of the boldest studio comedies in years. They break down how they approached structure in a spoof film, why emotional arcs matter just as much as jokes, and how committing fully to the stupidest ideas can sometimes be the smartest choice. Doug and Dan talk candidly about fearlessness, rejection, impostor syndrome, and why every movie is a miracle. It’s ultimately a funny, honest, and deeply encouraging conversation about sustaining a creative life in comedy. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 275 | How Holiday Movies Get Made (ft. Screenwriter Maggie Lane & Producer Eric Jarboe) | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:58:49 | |
This week we’re celebrating one of our favorite genres: holiday movies! Screenwriter Maggie Lane (HOTEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS) and producer Eric Jarboe (FALLING FOR CHRISTMAS, THE PRINCESS SWITCH) join us to pull back the curtain on how Christmas films are conceived, pitched, developed, budgeted, and shot - sometimes in as little as 13 days. We dig into what networks actually want, how to craft a great rom-com holiday premise, what makes a title irresistible, how to build producible scripts, and why collaboration (and quick rewrites!) are everything. It’s a warm, funny, highly practical episode full of insider intel and festive filmmaking stories. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 274 | Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Nobody): How to Craft Character and Action on the Page | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:59:32 | |
In this episode, JOHN WICK creator Derek Kolstad joins us to break down how he crafts character-driven action on the page. Derek shares how he thinks about tone, rhythm, and world-building, why action is an extension of the hero’s journey, and the psychological tricks he uses to survive rewrites. We also dig into his collaborations with actors like Keanu Reeves and Bob Odenkirk, his approach to adapting IP, and the creative habits that keep him excited to write "fade in." --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 273 | The Roots of Imposter Syndrome - Part 2 | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:48:24 | |
In Part 2 of our conversation with counselor and healer Madaline Blau, we move from understanding imposter syndrome to learning how to work with it in the body. Madaline guides us through grounding practices and shares a powerful 10-minute guided visualization designed to help you return to your truth, your courage, and the deeper steadiness beneath your storytelling. If you haven’t heard Part 1, start there for the full arc of this conversation. Then come back for this beautiful, restorative close to the episode. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 272 | The Roots of Imposter Syndrome - Part 1 | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:40:13 | |
In Part 1 of our deep dive into imposter syndrome, counselor and healer Madaline Blau helps us understand where creative insecurity really comes from - and why so many writers feel stuck between confidence and collapse. We unpack instinct, how insight shapes character and story, and the early experiences that form our creative identity. This episode ends at a powerful emotional pause, with Part 2 picking up next week as we move into grounding, embodiment, and a guided visualization with Madaline. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - your first 5 days are free. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 271 | Melissa Rosenberg (Jessica Jones, Dexter): Finding Your Creative Center | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:51:19 | |
Melissa Rosenberg - creator of JESSICA JONES, head writer of DEXTER, and screenwriter of the TWILIGHT films - joins Lorien to talk about what it takes to stay grounded as a storyteller. From building creative communities to rediscovering her artistic voice after decades in Hollywood, Melissa reflects on the evolving balance between ambition, authenticity, and healing through story. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - your first 5 days are free. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 270 | Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty): Writing Love, Longing & Coming of Age | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:43:08 | |
Jenny Han - creator, showrunner, and bestselling author of THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY - joins Lorien to talk about the art of writing love, longing, and growing up. From balancing fandom expectations to crafting authentic emotion, Jenny shares how she translates deeply personal themes to the screen, keeps romantic tension alive over multiple seasons, and why writing about first love never gets old. Whether you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, this one’s for you. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - your first 5 days are free. Episode Links:
The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. ---
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| 269 | Writing Horror with the Carved Creative Team (REBROADCAST) | 30 Oct 2025 | 01:17:20 | |
With Halloween around the corner, we’re revisiting one of our favorite spooky episodes. Join us for a conversation with the team behind Hulu’s CARVED — director and co-writer Justin Harding, co-writer Cheryl Meyer, and star Peyton Elizabeth Lee — as they share how they brought their campy slasher film to life and what it takes to write really great horror. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - your first 5 days are free.
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| 268 | Where to Begin as a Screenwriter (REBROADCAST) | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:53:56 | |
So you want to be a screenwriter… now what? --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - your first 5 days are free.
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| 267 | The Elevator Pitch + Austin Film Festival Prep Workshop (REBROADCAST) | 16 Oct 2025 | 01:32:35 | |
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so With the Austin Film Festival coming up next week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes to help everyone attending get ready to share their stories! --- The Austin Film Festival is known for many things — but few are as legendary as its annual 90-Second Pitch Competition, where writers have just 90 seconds to share their stories. In Hollywood, we call that “the elevator pitch” — and it’s more essential than ever. To unpack what makes a pitch truly land, we’re joined by an incredible lineup: TSL veteran and producer Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Austin Film Festival’s Screenplay Director Alyssa Alvarado, and five brave writers who step up to pitch their hearts out.
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| 266 | Emmy-Winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) on the Myth of the “Big Break” | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:52:35 | |
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Meg was already a fan of Jeff Hiller from his Emmy-winning performance in SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, but after listening to his moving and hilarious memoir Actress of a Certain Age, she fell completely in love with his honesty, humor, and heart. She knew she had to have him on the show — and we were deeply honored when he said yes, fresh off his big Emmy win. In this conversation, Jeff opens up about the myth of the “big break,” finding your authentic voice, navigating rejection with grace, and why it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Check out Jeff's memoir HERE: goodreads.com/book/show/220902134-actress-of-a-certain-age
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| 265 | KPop Demon Hunters Directors: Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans on Balancing Heart, Humor & Music | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:52:30 | |
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so This week, we’re joined by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the writer-directors of KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, to unpack the craft behind one of the year's biggest movies. From finding the emotional core of their story to shaping "Golden" into a late-breaking "I Want" song, Maggie and Chris share how they balanced friendship, romance, comedy, worldbuilding, and music all in one movie. We also dive into the messy joy of writing in editorial, why tiny character moments like "Couch, Couch, Couch" carry so much weight, and how specificity in both music and story can unlock something universal.
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