The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis
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The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast
Geoffrey D Calhoun
Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 218

About the Podcast:
Dive deep into the art and craft of screenwriting with our engaging episodes that cover a spectrum of topics – from mastering the screenplay format to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry. Each episode is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain, providing valuable takeaways for writers at every stage of their journey.
Host:
Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriting instructor and best selling author with a passion for storytelling. With a proven track record in the film industry, Geoffrey has not only honed his craft as a successful screenwriter but also shares his wealth of knowledge as an instructor. His unique journey in the world of screenwriting has equipped him with a unique perspective, making him an essential guide for screenwriters of all levels.
Key Features:
- Expert Interviews: Gain insights from renowned screenwriters, filmmakers, and industry professionals who share their experiences, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories.
- Screenwriting Tips: Unlock the secrets of successful screenwriting with actionable tips, tricks, and techniques discussed in every episode.
- Film Analysis: Explore in-depth film analyses, breaking down the storytelling techniques that make movies memorable and impactful.
- Exclusive Industry Insights: Access exclusive industry secrets and stay updated on the latest trends. Get insider knowledge to navigate the world of screenwriting with confidence.
- Subscribe to the podcast on Spreaker for regular updates.
- Engage with us on Instagram @screenwriterpod for the latest news, discussions, and community interactions.
- Visit our official website thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com for additional resources such as: Screenwriting Gigs, Screenplay Library, Seminars and other exclusive content.
Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network (www.ifhpodcastnetwork.com)
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Apple Podcasts
🇺🇸 USA - filmInterviews
31/07/2025#62🇺🇸 USA - filmInterviews
30/07/2025#44🇬🇧 Great Britain - filmInterviews
29/07/2025#84🇬🇧 Great Britain - filmInterviews
28/07/2025#93🇬🇧 Great Britain - filmInterviews
26/07/2025#98🇨🇦 Canada - filmInterviews
25/07/2025#98🇬🇧 Great Britain - filmInterviews
23/07/2025#88🇺🇸 USA - filmInterviews
22/07/2025#91🇺🇸 USA - filmInterviews
21/07/2025#71🇺🇸 USA - filmInterviews
17/07/2025#86
Spotify
No recent rankings available
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See allRSS feed quality and score
Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.
See allScore global : 43%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
Ep 244 - Midnight Taxi: Indie Filmmaking in the Pandemic with Bertie & Samantha Speirs
mercredi 4 septembre 2024 • Duration 17:20
Guest: Bertie Speirs & Samantha Speirs, Filmmakers of Midnight Taxi
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey sits down with Bertie and Samantha Speirs, the dynamic filmmakers behind the indie thriller Midnight Taxi, to discuss their journey into independent filmmaking, how the pandemic became an opportunity for creativity, and their experiences shooting a feature film on a tight budget. The duo shares insightful stories about the film’s unique concept of a sleepwalking cab driver embroiled in a murder mystery, as well as the challenges of indie production in a time of uncertainty. From their time working on major studio films to navigating the intricacies of VOD distribution, this episode is packed with advice for aspiring filmmakers
Takeaways:
- Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Bertie and Samantha turned pandemic limitations into a creative advantage by developing a feature-length thriller, Midnight Taxi.
- Indie Filmmaking Tips: How to stretch a low budget, film complex car scenes, and achieve cinematic shots on a shoestring.
- The Power of Story: The importance of focusing on an engaging premise and leveraging unique circumstances, like filming in empty streets during lockdown.
- Building Confidence: Overcoming intimidation and finding courage through the process of making your first feature.
- Advice for Creatives: Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start creating and learn as you go—failure is part of the process.
- (00:38) Geoffrey’s Introduction to Bertie & Samantha Speirs
- (01:29) The Origin Story of Midnight Taxi
- (02:36) Writing and Directing: Crafting a Noir Murder Mystery
- (04:00) Shooting Complex Car Scenes on an Indie Budget
- (06:20) Casting and Working with Talent Virtually
- (08:37) Filming During the Pandemic: Empty Streets in London
- (12:32) What's Next for the Filmmaking Duo? Future Projects
Instagram @screenwriterpod
#IndieFilm #Filmmaking #ScreenwriterLife #MidnightTaxi #MovieMaking #VODRelease #PodcastLife #IndieFilmmakers
Ep 243 - The Life of a Homicide Detective with Mike Hammond
mercredi 31 juillet 2024 • Duration 20:56
Guest: Mike Hammond, Retired Homicide Detective and Host of Detective Story Podcast
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes retired homicide detective Mike Hammond. They delve into the intricacies of being a homicide detective, the challenges of communication in investigations, and the emotional toll the job takes. Mike shares his journey from being inspired by Truman Capote's In Cold Blood to becoming a detective in Chicago. They also discuss Mike's transition to hosting his own podcast, Detective Story, which focuses on victims' stories. This episode offers a deep insight into the real world of homicide investigations and the mindset required for such a demanding career.
Takeaways:
- Communication is Key: Effective communication is crucial for solving cases, involving understanding and listening to victims, witnesses, and suspects.
- Empathy Over Intimidation: Building rapport and showing empathy often yield better results than aggressive interrogation tactics.
- Mental Resilience: Detectives must manage the emotional impact of their work, recognizing and addressing stress to maintain mental health.
- Adaptability: Remaining open-minded and flexible is essential to avoid tunnel vision in investigations.
- Legacy of Service: The importance of serving victims and their families with integrity and dedication.
- 00:38 - Introduction: Geoffrey welcomes listeners and introduces the topic.
- 00:55 - Guest Introduction: Mike Hammond shares his background and thanks the audience.
- 01:01 - Starting a Podcast: Mike discusses the inception of his podcast, Detective Story.
- 02:15 - Chicago Homicide Detective: Insights into the daily life and challenges of a homicide detective.
- 05:44 - Career Path: Mike's journey from reading In Cold Blood to becoming a detective.
- 11:12 - Psychological Toll: The mental and emotional challenges faced by detectives.
- 17:39 - Learning from Mistakes: The importance of staying flexible and avoiding preconceived notions.
- 19:56 - Legacy: Mike reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave as a detective.
Geoffrey D. Calhoun on Instagram: @screenwriterpod
Mike Hammond: Detecive Story Podcast
#Screenwriting #HomicideDetective #TrueCrime #Podcast #Investigation #CommunicationSkills #MentalHealth #Empathy #Legacy #Chicago
Ep 234 - Behind the Brand: How Influencers Use Authenticity on Social Media with Megha Bajaj
mercredi 1 mai 2024 • Duration 20:06
Join host Geoffrey D. Calhoun as he delves into the world of social media authenticity with Megha Bajaj, a former reality TV star turned social media influencer. Discover Megha's journey from television to becoming an Instagram icon, and how she leverages her platform for genuine engagement.
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun
- Bio: Geoffrey is a seasoned screenwriter and mentor with a passion for storytelling, Geoffrey explores the intersections of creativity and industry trends with experts and influencers in the field.
- Bio: Megha Bajaj is a prominent social media influencer with a rich background in acting and modeling in India. Known for her authentic content and strategic use of platforms like Instagram, Megha shares her unique approach to personal branding and how it transcends traditional social media strategies.
- Introduction to Megha Bajaj (00:00 - 00:14)
- Geoffrey welcomes Megha to the podcast and introduces her background.
- Megha's Transition from Reality TV to Social Media (00:15 - 01:59)
- Discussion on Megha's early career in India, her initial reluctance towards Instagram, and her eventual engagement with the platform.
- Building a Social Media Presence Through Storytelling (02:00 - 03:15)
- Megha emphasizes storytelling as the core of her social media success.
- Navigating Brand Collaborations with Authenticity (03:16 - 05:32)
- Insights into Megha's selective approach to brand partnerships and maintaining integrity in promotions.
- The Role of Social Media in Personal and Professional Growth (05:33 - 07:53)
- How Megha uses her influence to explore new cultures, connect with brands globally, and stay true to her roots.
- Q&A: Authenticity and Brand Alignment (07:54 - 09:41)
- Discussion on the importance of aligning with brands that resonate personally and professionally.
- Follow us on Instagram for more updates and behind-the-scenes content @screenwriterpod
- Visit our website for free screenwriting resources and to join our community: The Successful Screenwriter
Ep 144 - Writing & Directing MANBABY with Tim Lightell
lundi 15 août 2022 • Duration 16:12
You can find ManBaby at https://manbabymovie.com/
The Guide For Every Screenwriter is available at:
https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/books
Script Evaluation --> https://www.wefixyourscript.com/
Don't forget to visit our website for all your screenwriting needs at
--> https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/podcast
Ep 143 - Monetizing Your Writing with Michaelbrent Collings
lundi 8 août 2022 • Duration 25:41
You can find Michaelbrents books at - https://writteninsomnia.com/
The Guide For Every Screenwriter is available at:
https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/books
Script Evaluation --> https://www.wefixyourscript.com/
Don't forget to visit our website for all your screenwriting needs at
--> https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/podcast
Ep 142 - Branding and Content Creation with Maddy Osman
lundi 1 août 2022 • Duration 20:39
You can find Maddy's book - Writing for Humans and Robots at
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B09X4NJ9H8&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_JJ2YF7XDM2ETGM2ZY1BX&tag=tssp07-20
The Guide For Every Screenwriter is available at:
https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/books
Script Evaluation --> https://www.wefixyourscript.com/
Don't forget to visit our website for all your screenwriting needs at
--> https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/podcast
Ep 141 - How to Capture a Global Audience with Weiko Lin
lundi 25 juillet 2022 • Duration 23:16
You can find Crazy Screenwriting Secrets at https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B07TWYQ326&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_65SM44W24PXV88XP26GX&tag=tssp07-20
The Guide For Every Screenwriter is available at:
https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/books
Script Evaluation --> https://www.wefixyourscript.com/
Don't forget to visit our website for all your screenwriting needs at
--> https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/podcast
Ep 140 - Filmustage & using A. I. to Breakdown a Script feat Ruslan Khamidullin
lundi 18 juillet 2022 • Duration 24:07
Use this exclusive discount code for 30% off of Filmustage.com
code: SuccessfulScreenwriter30
The Guide For Every Screenwriter is available at:
https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/books
Script Evaluation --> https://www.wefixyourscript.com/
Don't forget to visit our website for all your screenwriting needs at
--> https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/podcast
Ep 139 - Creating the Audiodrama Listening in with Sabrina Jaglom
lundi 11 juillet 2022 • Duration 22:53
Get $30 off ARC STUDIO with this exclusive link!!! https://arcstudiopro.com/successfulscreenwriter
Ep 138 - Writing Thir13en Ghosts with Neal Marshall Stevens
lundi 4 juillet 2022 • Duration 32:38
Get $30 off ARC STUDIO with this exclusive link!!! https://arcstudiopro.com/successfulscreenwriter