Best Joanna Penn Podcasts (2024)

1
Storming a Mexican Prison - The Heroes Who Saved Brent Lettich - Finale 1:24:45

1h ago1:24:45

1:24:45

These brave people helped to free Brent Lettich from a Mexican prison, what a roller coaster of emotion this story is! We hope you enjoy this episode of The Good Hustle Podcast! ✴️ Friend Brent! - https://www.facebook.com/brent.lettich/ ✴️ Brent's Business - https://1stadvantagepm.com/about-us/ ✅John Henry and Zach Williamson are Licensed Realtors …

1
Author Mindset Tips And Publishing In Germany With AD Wilk 1:02:45

15m ago1:02:45

1:02:45

How can you move past your limiting beliefs to find success as an author? How can you successfully self-publish in Germany? Andrea Wilk shares her thoughts in this episode. In the intro, how to cope with writer conferences [Ink in Your Veins]; Author Nation schedule; Conde Nast signs a licensing deal with OpenAI [Hollywood Reporter]; Breaking down …

1
The Magic of the Writer's Notebook 28:01

1h ago28:01

28:01

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s solo episode, I discuss how I use Writer’s Notebooks to collect inspiration and pay attention to the stories all around us. In the intro I share a brief personal update about my writing plans for the next sixteen months. Resources mentioned in this episode: · Leuchtturm 1917 Notebooks: https://www…

1
August Osage County: simply masterful 31:03

3h ago31:03

31:03

This movie is a masterclass on characters, character development, cast design and the relationships between characters. It honestly doesn't get any better than this. So no matter what kind of story you're writing, grab your notepad and dive in! -V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), su…

1
Defeating Cancer & Radiating Hope - Joanna Dennstaedt's Incredible Story 57:33

1h ago57:33

57:33

Joanna Dennstaedt’s story left us deeply inspired in this episode. As a relentless "doer," she was practically unstoppable—until God reminded her of her humanity. What followed revealed why God placed those trials in her path; He needed her to make a profound impact. Radiant Hope is a remarkable blessing to many women, and without Joanna’s persever…

1
A Touch of the Madness: Creativity In Writing And Filmmaking With Larry Kasanoff 1:02:26

7d ago1:02:26

1:02:26

How can you balance creativity with business when it comes to writing — and filmmaking? How can you access that ‘touch of madness' in everything you create? How can authors pitch their books for film? All this and more with Larry Kasanoff. In the intro, Paid ads with BookBub, Facebook and Amazon [BookBub]; Blood Vintage cover reveal; Unter dem Zoo …

1
Lego Batman: ROTFL 39:35

7d ago39:35

39:35

Melanie chose Lego Batman from the vault because, in addition to being a really well-written story, it made her laugh. And that, imo, is the mark of superior writing. This episode originally aired in Season 5 when Melanie was studying resonance. If you're curious about what that is, and how it can truly enhance your storytelling, be sure to give th…

1
Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Publishing With Thad McIlroy 1:10:26

7d ago1:10:26

1:10:26

How are publishers using AI and what are the potential use cases in the future? Why is this an exciting time in publishing for those who use the new tools to expand their creative possibilities? Thad McIlroy and I have a wonderful discussion about the current state of AI in publishing, and where we think it might be going next. In the intro, Audibl…

1
Marketing with Testimonials & Romanticising Your Writing Life with Lyda McLallen 52:48

1d ago52:48

52:48

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode I interview marketing and PR specialist, and the owner of Talk Plus Tell, Lyda McLallen. Some topics we discuss include: · Lyda’s number one strategy for increasing book sales. · Why saying “Buy my book” might be costing you sales. · Lyda’s advice for sourcing testimonials for your books. …

1
The Godfather: Valerie gets excited 50:47

14d ago50:47

50:47

Melanie and I are taking a short mid-winter/mid-summer break, so while we recharge our batteries we're reposting some of our favourite episodes starting this week with THE GODFATHER. Wow, there just aren't too many movies with this level of storytelling craft in them. I had a whole lot to say about this classic film and I know that no matter which …

1
Heart. Soul. Pen. Find Your Voice on the Page With Robin Finn 1:01:28

8d ago1:01:28

1:01:28

How can you write freely and release any blocks that are holding you back? How can you focus on the strengths in your writing and avoid critical voice? Robin Finn gives plenty of writing tips in this interview. In the intro, KDP's identity verification; Why authors need platforms [Kathleen Schmidt]; Romance genre report from K-lytics; Canva has bou…

1
Nocturnal Animals: pretty, but no story 24:26

21d ago24:26

24:26

We visit the joys of multiplot stories this week. Valerie discovers (again) the issues with multiplot stories in movies, and I investigate how the different timelines impact the narrative drive. We both learnt what happens to a story when conflict triangles and curiosity and concern are absent - a cautionary tale for writers. -M “A character can’t …

1
From Penn State to the Oakland Raiders - Nate Stupar's Journey to the NFL 1:03:55

15d ago1:03:55

1:03:55

We’re so pumped to have had the pleasure of interviewing one of State College's best, Nate Stupar! Nate played for the Nittany Lions, was drafted by the then Oakland Raiders, and had stints with a few teams before enjoying his best years with the Atlanta Falcons. These days, Nate is crushing it as a dad, husband, and running his non-profit, State o…

1
Pivoting Genres And Writing Historical Fiction With Anna Sayburn Lane 1:01:31

30d ago1:01:31

1:01:31

When is it time to leave an unsuccessful series behind and pivot into something new? What is the process of writing to market? Anna Sayburn Lane explores these topics and more. In the intro, help with Amazon KDP Account suspension [Kindlepreneur]; Selling direct to the EU? Thresholds coming in 2025; Some honest thoughts about the Harrogate Crime Wr…

1
A Permission Slip to Write 48:05

16d ago48:05

48:05

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s solo episode, I chat about why many of us avoid writing or look for permission to write. I also share tips around how we can move forward and write anyway. Find Julia Cameron's book, The Right to Write, here: https://juliacameronlive.com/books-by-julia/the-right-to-write/ If you enjoyed this episo…

1
The Help: put this on your list 29:01

21d ago29:01

29:01

If you're writing a story with multiple protagonists/POVs, or if you're tackling a big social issue in your story, then you'll want to study The Help. As it happens, it's also a cracking example of Conflict Triangles and Narrative Drive - and that's what Melanie and I talk about in this week's episode. - V. "The bigger the scope of the issue, the s…

1
Escaping a Mexican Prison - Brent Lettich's Incredible Story Part 2 1:09:21

24d ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Part 2 of Brent's story is a rollercoaster of emotion. We're so thankful he decided to come on and share his story with us. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Good Hustle Podcast! ✴️ Friend Brent! - https://www.facebook.com/brent.lettich/ ✴️ Brent's Business - https://1stadvantagepm.com/about-us/ ✅John Henry and Zach Williamson are Licensed Real…

51
Writing Emotion With Roz Morris 1:15:57

30d ago1:15:57

1:15:57

Why is writing emotion so important in our books, whatever the genre? How can we create an emotional connection between our readers and our characters? Roz Morris gives her tips in this episode. In the intro, how to get your indie book into schools [Self-Publishing Advice]; Did my bestselling book turn out to be a financial failure? [Tiago Forte]; …

1
A Simple Favor: seriously, an evil twin? 36:53

1M ago36:53

36:53

This week one of mystery writing’s deadly sins makes a guest appearance. Valerie and I discuss if the appearance is welcome or not. A Simple Favour has good examples of how Narrative Drive works - great for my topic. However, it wasn’t so good for Valerie’s study of Conflict Triangles, so we see how superficial a story can be when the conflict isn’…

1
Trapped in a Mexican Prison - Brent Lettich's Incredible Story Part 1 53:54

1M ago53:54

53:54

Few have had to overcome something as unbelievable as what Brent Lettich went through down in Mexico. We're so glad he came on to share his story with us. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Good Hustle Podcast! ✴️ Friend Brent! - https://www.facebook.com/brent.lettich/ ✴️ Brent's Business - https://1stadvantagepm.com/about-us/ ✅John Henry and Za…

1
Intuitive Discovery Writing And Serial Fiction With KimBoo York 55:09

29d ago55:09

55:09

How can you lean into intuition and curiosity to embrace discovery writing? How might serial fiction fit into your business model? KimBoo York gives her tips and more in this interview. In the intro, BookVault now has integration with PayHip; 7 lessons learned from 5 years writing full-time [Sacha Black, Rebel Author Podcast]; My author timeline; L…

1
Belfast: active v passive protagonist 33:47

1M ago33:47

33:47

In BELFAST, Kenneth Branagh does something that most, if not all, new writers do. In a movie, it's kind of hard to spot because filmmakers have access to tools (like costume design, cinematography, and a musical score) that obscure it. In a novel, it's obvious —stark even — because all we have is black text on a white page. It's laid bare for all r…

1
Book Marketing with Heidi McIntyre 49:39

1M ago49:39

49:39

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode I interview author and Book Marketing Coach, Heidi McIntyre about her debut novel Sea Magic and tips and tricks for marketing your book. Some topics we discuss include: · How marketing produce helped Heidi start her writing career. · How to balance writing with marketing. · Seven common mi…

1
Investors Unite - Stefanie & Skyler on Real Estate Investing, Partnering Up, Deals Gone Wrong 1:10:09

1M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Stefanie and Skyler are already killing the game in their early 20's! From meeting at school, to working together at Get Air (a really fun trampoline park), it's no wonder why they ended up doing real estate investing deals together as well. I know we can all learn a little bit from their story! We hope you enjoy this episode of The Good Hustle Pod…

1
Preparing Your Manuscript For Pitching Agents With Renee Fountain 59:34

2M ago59:34

59:34

How can you make sure your manuscript is ready for submission to an agent — or for publication if you go indie? What are the benefits and challenges of traditional publishing? Will they really do all the marketing for you? Renee Fountain talks about these things and more in today's interview. In the intro, Referencing and citations [Self Publishing…

1
What Lies Beneath: play the "let me guess" game 31:10

2M ago31:10

31:10

Sometimes we learn more from our mistakes than our successes - that’s my story and I’m sticking to it this week! Narrative drive is an important storytelling principle to learn and this week’s movie is an example of poor story structure resulting in terrible narrative drive. A mystery writer should have control of the information. Valerie’s study o…

1
Shannon Claire - From Teen Mom to Success Story, Modern Day Marketing, Refuse to Play Small 50:27

1M ago50:27

50:27

Shannon Claire is THE modern day marketer. She's a photographer, content creator, and she does international branding for a wide variety of business owners and entrepreneurs. She mentors bold women (and men) who refuse to play small in their life. Even more than that, Shannon is an exceptional person who has overcome so many challenges. We had an a…

1
Turn Words Into Wealth With Aurora Winter 1:12:22

1M ago1:12:22

1:12:22

Can you have a business with a soul through writing? How does the business of fiction differ from non-fiction? What are some tips for pitching a book for film & TV? All this and more with Aurora Winter. In the intro, 100 book marketing ideas [Written Word Media]; 25 indie authors tips to finding success [Self Publishing Advice]; BookFunnel for audi…

1
Are You A Bad Boss? 45:22

2M ago45:22

45:22

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s solo episode, I ask you to question what type of boss you are when running your author business. Are you a good boss, or are you a bad boss self-sabotaging your author success? The answer might surprise you! Other episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 74: Go Creative Planning with Orna Ross …

1
Doubt: a "quiet story" masterpiece 26:59

2M ago26:59

26:59

It's a brand new season and that means Melanie and I are studying two new topics: narrative drive and conflict triangles. Conflict and page-turners are usually associated with action stories, thrillers and the like. But DOUBT is a quiet, character-driven film that is so expertly crafted it grabs the viewer's attention immediately and holds it right…

1
Westtown Star PG Olivia Rose Jones on Winning Nike Nationals, Scholarship Offers, HS Basketball 41:51

2M ago41:51

41:51

Olivia Rose Jones is making waves out here in Central PA! She's been nominated to be Gatorade player of the year, she's won u16 Nike Nationals, and she's made more buckets than she can count! She's also an ambassador of the best sneaker boutique in the game Jawns on Fire! We're super excited to see where she ends up in her basketball career! Shouto…

1
Writing Hard Truths And Tips For Writing Non-Fiction With Efren Delgado 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

How do we write authentic humanity into our books, whether that's our own experience or a fictional character's? How can we embrace the challenges of life and the author journey and make the most of the opportunities along the way? Efren Delgado gives his tips in this interview. In the intro, How to plan and release a second edition of your book [S…

1
Collaborative Writing With AI With Rachelle Ayala 44:34

2M ago44:34

44:34

How can we use AI tools to enhance and improve our creative process? How can we double down on being human by writing what we are passionate about, while still using generative AI to help fulfil our creative vision? Rachelle Ayala gives her thoughts in this episode. Today's show is sponsored by my patrons! Join […] The post Collaborative Writing Wi…

1
Our Best Advice: female characters + setups and payoffs 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

We've reached the end of another season and so we're wrapping up our best advice and a-ha moments just for you. Tune in to hear what we have to say about writing female characters and using female archetypes. We also share why it's crucial for you to use the first half of your story to set up everything that happens in the second half. (Hint: it al…

1
Ben Guiles - Small Town Titans Guitarist on Will It Riff Series, LVC Football, Logan Paul Shoutout 51:53

2M ago51:53

51:53

Ben is one of the coolest people we know! He has done a lot of crazy things, from being a high school and college football star, to starting multiple bands, to the Small Town Titans recent success with the Will It Riff series, he continues to push himself to be the best he can be. We at The Good Hustle Podcast feel super blessed to call him our fri…

1
Writing Through Fear With Caroline Donahue 1:11:35

2M ago1:11:35

1:11:35

What are some of the common fears that writers face? How can we work through them in order to create more freely? Caroline Donahue gives her tips in this interview. In the intro, How to avoid indie author scams [ALLi; Writer Beware]; Financial strategies and mindset [Self Publishing Advice]; Apple Intelligence at WWDC [The Verge; […] The post Writi…

1
Writing Lessons From A Centenarian with Babette Hughes 43:01

2M ago43:01

43:01

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode I interview author and centenarian, Babette Hughes, about writing later in life, and her new book, Lessons in Evil. We also discuss: · Why Babette waited until her eighties to become a published author. · Why we should rewrite the narrative around aging. · How Babette came to write Lessons…

1
Hanna - women aren't small men 41:04

2M ago41:04

41:04

I have been looking forward to this episode since the start of the season. I specifically selected Hanna so we could study fight scenes and weapons handling with female characters - Hanna doesn’t disappoint. I consider aspects of female fight scenes and firing pistols. Valerie wasn’t so lucky this week. Hanna is light on story because the action sc…

1
Brandon Keeton - Producing Turbo Cola, Owning a Martial Arts School, Joining the Marines 57:33

2M ago57:33

57:33

Brandon Keeton has already done so much in his time here on earth. He's a Film Student, Dad, Husband, Retired Marine, Retired Boxer, Martial Artist, former Martial Arts School Owner, Entrepreneur, Actor, and a self proclaimed all around workaholic. I know that there's something all of us can learn from his story! We hope you enjoy this episode of T…

1
Last Podcast Episode...sorta 1:42

3M ago1:42

1:42

I'm closing down this podcast at the end of June 2024. But, life goes on. I've moved all my written, audio and even video over to www.jameshazelwood.substack.com Join me there. It's been great Thank you JamesBy James Hazelwood

1
Click Testing Ideas And Selling Direct With Steve Pieper 1:03:49

2M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

What are the pros and cons of selling direct and building an ecommerce business for your books? How can you use click testing on Meta to help refine your creative and book marketing ideas? Steve Pieper explains in this interview. In the intro, The Hotsheet with Jane Friedman; 20 ways you should be using AI […] The post Click Testing Ideas And Selli…

1
Where'd You Go, Bernadette: deus ex machina 33:30

3M ago33:30

33:30

Quite often, stories that don't work have more to teach us than the stories that do. Maybe Maria Semple's novel (upon which this film is based), is simply one that's challenging to adapt to the screen. Whatever the case, this move has missed the mark on some basic storytelling principles (it has too many backstory info dumps, a Deus Ex Machina, and…

1
7 Tips For Writing Action Adventure Thrillers With J.F. Penn 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

What are the tropes of action adventure thrillers? How can you please readers and sell more books? J.F. Penn shares her own tips and also features excerpts from interviews with other thriller writers. J.F. Penn is the award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ARKANE action-adventure thrillers, the Mapwalker fantasy adven…

1
Messiah Mickens - 4 Star Penn State Commit on HS Football, Saquon Barkley Workout, The Limelight 40:24

3M ago40:24

40:24

Messiah Mickens is well on his way to superstardom. He's already spending time with the likes of Saquon Barkley, and he's been coached by NFL talent like Jordan Hill. We're going to be rooting for him as he continues on his path to becoming an all time great running back! We hope you enjoy this episode of The Good Hustle Podcast! ✴️ Follow Messiah!…

1
The Seasons Of Writing With Jacqueline Suskin 55:10

3M ago55:10

55:10

How can you adopt the seasons of nature in your writing? How can you allow periods of rest as well as abundance? Jacqueline Suskin explores these ideas and more in this interview. In the intro, thoughts on children's book publishing [Always Take Notes Podcast]; how to market a memoir as an indie author [ALLi]; A […] The post The Seasons Of Writing …

1
Ghostwriting, Memoirs, & Hybrid Publishing with Amanda Edgar 53:49

3M ago53:49

53:49

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode I interview award-winning author and CEO of Page and Podium Press, Dr Amanda Nell Edgar. Along with chatting about ghostwriting, writing memoirs, and hybrid publishing, some of the topics we discuss include: · What exactly are hybrid memoirs. · The key to knowing whether you’re ready to wr…

1
The Genius of Novellas 11:36

3M ago11:36

11:36

Novellas are the ace up your writerly sleeve! They enable you to practice all of the principles of storytelling in a shorter, more manageable form. That's going to make you a much better novelist because your story will be focused and you won't get lost in your manuscript. And oh, the best part? Novellas are on the rise. - V. *Script note: In the e…

1
Crazy Rich Asians: when the antagonist is more compelling than the protagonist 44:13

3M ago44:13

44:13

Crazy Rich Asians pitches two female leads against each other - sounds excellent right? Not so fast… This should set up an epic battle of wills as one fights against traditions she doesn’t understand while the other fights to retain order and tradition. This week, I find out what happens when the protagonist doesn’t plausibly match, then surpass, t…

1
Greenlight Operation - Jordan Pine & Micah Davis on Fighting Human Trafficking, Faith, Educating 50:24

3M ago50:24

50:24

Greenlight Operation is the best example of "The Good Hustle" that we could ever ask for. In their words "we don’t just want to be known for what we are against, but what we are for: freedom, collaboration, and restoration. We fight against human trafficking, yes, but we also seek to promote a culture that values the dignity of human life and loves…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Joanna Penn Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide