Best Mekke Podcasts (2024)

1
Metaphor, Math, Editing, & How You Can Get Your Message to Your Reader Effectively 38:09

3d ago38:09

38:09

We are so excited to welcome math teacher Ben Orlin to the podcast!Ben Orlin is a math teacher who can't draw. His book Math with Bad Drawings (2018) has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide, and has since been followed by Change is the Only Constant (2019), Math Games with Bad Drawings (2022), and most recently, Math for English Majors (Sept 20…

1
Episode 72: Unleashing the Full Potential of the People You Lead with Minette Norman 44:57

2h ago44:57

44:57

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into unleashing the full potential of the people you lead with Minette Norman, author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and The Psychological Safety Playbook. Discover how you are holding yourself back from seizing opportunities, how to take control of your fear, and how to b…

1
Episode 71: Speaking Up in the Workplace with Animah Kosai 41:32

20d ago41:32

41:32

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into speaking up in the workplace with Animah Kosai, a passionate advocate for ethical leadership, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Discover the systemic changes needed to allow people to speak up freely in the workplace, how to recognize toxic behaviors within y…

1
Messy Characters, Building Tension & How Agents Should Advocate For Your Work with Agent Nour Sallam 32:31

4d ago32:31

32:31

We are so happy to welcome Nour Sallam, agent at P.S. Literary, to the podcast! We discuss: *How agents should advocate for clients from signing to offers to contracts to publication and beyond *Why messy characters and their interiority are often the one thing missing from your work *Why we should experience empathy for your villain*Opportunities …

1
Episode 70: Disrupting the Status Quo with Cindy Gallop 43:46

26d ago43:46

43:46

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into disrupting the status quo with Cindy Gallop, a trailblazing entrepreneur, brand innovator, and advocate for social change. Discover why identifying your core values and beliefs is key to living a much simpler and happier life. We’re also exploring Cindy’s most ambitio…

1
Genres, Tropes, Trends, and Finding Your Agent Fit with Agent Erica Bauman 44:36

17d ago44:36

44:36

We are so pleased to welcome agent Erica Bauman from Aevitas Creative Management to the podcast!We discuss: *How to make your work more atmospheric*Where to place emphasis when writing between genres *Balancing keeping the reader in their heads vs. their senses *When the genre of our world gets closer to dystopia, how does the dystopian genre chang…

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Impact Moment 04: Recovering from Failure with Brandi Richard Thompson 11:46

19d ago11:46

11:46

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 44, with guest, Brandi Richard Thompson. Failure is a given in life and Brandi shares how she recovers from it by ignoring the noise, focusing on herself, and prioritizing her happiness. From a college dropout to a tra…

1
Impact Moment 03: Finding Your Voice with Jessica Doyle-Mekkes 11:51

26d ago11:51

11:51

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 36, with guest, Jessica Doyle-Mekkes. She shares how she empowers women to identify their strengths, speak up, and use their voices effectively to turn their dreams into reality. Jessica is a professor, researcher, voc…

1
Querying, Middle School, And How Mistakes + Embarrassment Often Lead To Book Deals 47:46

1M ago47:46

47:46

Debut author Kristy Jackson joins Julie and Jessica to talk about her new middle grade book, MORTIFIED, now out in bookstores everywhere! From embarrassing middle school moments to querying hiccups, Kristy talks about her 20+ year-long writing journey, how she found the right agent for her, and how perseverance made all the different to achieving h…

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Impact Moment 02: Don’t Give Your Fear Power with Jeanine McIntosh Menze 14:02

1M ago14:02

14:02

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 31, with guest, Jeanine McIntosh Menze. She shares her process of managing fear and how she chooses to not give her fear power but rather place her power in what’s on the other side of that fear. Jeanine was awarded he…

1
Sabbaticals – Time to Rest and Refocus – TPW500 32:07

2M ago32:07

32:07

Have you taken (or thought about taking) a sabbatical? This week we look at the why and what of sabbatical. (And listen for a special announcement at the end of the episode.)By Laura McClellan

1
Impact Moment 01: Choice Versus Sacrifice with Vijaya Sivakumar 9:57

1M ago9:57

9:57

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 6, where we were lucky enough to have Archita’s mother, Vijaya Sivakumar, as a guest. She shares her experience of working for 40 years at a company in India as the only female among 70 men — all while raising two daug…

1
10-Year Podiversary – Lessons Learned – TPW499 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

In this episode we’re celebrating 10 years of The Productive Woman podcast and I’m sharing some lessons I’ve learned along the way.By Laura McClellan

1
Preparing For Your International Bestseller: Liv Constantine on Crafting Unputdownable Characters 46:53

2M ago46:53

46:53

In the first installment of the Manuscript Academy Book Club, we have Liv Constantine, the pen name for internationally bestselling sister duo Lynne and Valerie Constantine! Joined by Jessica, Julie, and the Manuscript Academy community, Valerie and Lynne answer your questions about how to collaborate and edit as a team, how to get the best results…

1
Productive Living: Getting Unstuck, with Britt Frank – TPW498 47:11

2M ago47:11

47:11

This week I'm talking with Britt Frank, a therapist, trauma specialist, and author of The Science of Stuck, about getting unstuck and making a life that matters.By Laura McClellan

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Episode 69: It’s Time to Take Control of Your Fear 35:38

2M ago35:38

35:38

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into a theme that has cropped up in some of our recent episodes. Specifically, what Mary Waweru said in Episode 67 about transitions. It’s so easy to let yourself get pulled down by transitions that are seemingly outside of your control. But it’s time to take control of yo…

1
Preparing for a Productive Retirement – TPW497 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

No matter your age, preparing now, with a focus on what matters most to you, can ensure a smooth transition to a rewarding, meaningful, and productive retirement when the time comes.By Laura McClellan

1
Finding Your Voice: On the Page, In Your Life with Agent Katharine Sands + Jessica Doyle-Mekkes 57:43

2M ago57:43

57:43

You’ve heard of the all-important voice—but how do you make it more vivid, both on the page—and in your life? Enter Jessica Doyle-Mekkes, an author, voice coach, and eloquent speaker on how your voice in your life and your voice on the page are linked, vitally important—and within your control to improve. Listen along for what helps your voice come…

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Productive Reading: Slow Productivity, by Cal Newport – TPW496 41:29

3M ago41:29

41:29

In this week's installment of our recurring Productive Reading series, we look at key takeaways from Cal Newport's newest book, Slow Productivity.By Laura McClellan

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Episode 68 : Leadership Lessons from a Combat Veteran with Kim "KC" Campbell [REPLAY] 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we’re taking a look back at one of our favorite episodes. Join us as we delve into some leadership lessons with former fighter pilot turned keynote speaker and best-selling author, Kim "KC" Campbell. Discover how you can build trust within your team and lead with courage in times o…

1
Hollywood Versus New York: Publishing, Film, Options, Etiquette + What Makes A Hook? 44:42

3M ago44:42

44:42

We are thrilled to introduce our very own Julie Kingsley's debut novel! It's called The Space Between You and Me and came out this week!"That summer, I finally grew into myself. The problem? I grew too fast. And fruit that grows too fast often bursts in the sunshine."With her agent Lane Heymont (Tobias Literary Agency), we discuss: *What happens if…

1
Emotional Range, Sensory Details, And Pitching Works On Difficult Topics 52:40

3M ago52:40

52:40

Content Warning: This podcast discusses suicide, grief, and loss. Pam O'Hara's beautiful writing captivated our expert audience during a recent Manuscript Academy panel, so much so that it was picked for our 2024 MSWL Agent Choice Awards. Pam joins Jessica and Julie to speak about her stunning memoir about love, loss, and losing a loved one by suic…

1
10+ Ways to Manage Stress – TPW495 39:04

3M ago39:04

39:04

There are ways to manage stress--and good reasons to do so.By Laura McClellan

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Episode 67: Taking Action To Be Anti-Racist with Mary Waweru 40:51

3M ago40:51

40:51

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into taking action to be anti-racist with Mary Waweru, an influential voice who educates professionals on anti-racism, DEI, inclusive communications, social impact, and colonialism. It is not enough to simply be not racist. You need to take action and commit to being anti-…

1
Live Recorded: Query Class with Agent Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 1:13:04

3M ago1:13:04

1:13:04

Watch the free video version, slides and all (and get a coupon for our workshop!) at https://manuscriptacademy.com/emmyJoin our Three-Day Keep An Agent Reading Workshop, May 28-30, here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/keep-an-agent-reading-workshopTIMESTAMPS: Essential Elements of a Query Letter (00:03:07) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon covers th…

1
Productive Living: Becoming CEO of Your Health, with Andrea Nakayama – TPW494 1:04:02

3M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Andrea Nakayama, Functional Nutritionist and founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance, shares new ways to look at our health and nutrition while improving our productivityBy Laura McClellan

1
Mini Lesson: What Author Elizabeth Holden Did Right In Her Query & First Page 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

We are honored that author Elizabeth (Liz) Holden, author of the forthcoming YA novel Mighty Millie Novak, allowed us to go through her work as a teaching tool for you--what each element accomplishes, WHY it works, and how you can do the same in your own query and first page.If you'd like to follow along visually, head to our YouTube Channel, https…

1
The Roller Derby of Querying: How Author Elizabeth Holden Found Her Agent 51:14

3M ago51:14

51:14

View our in-depth video of what Liz did right in her query letter and first page here: https://www.youtube.com/@manuscriptacademyMeet Elizabeth Holden, Physics professor, travel entrepreneur, and author of Mighty Millie Novak, a YA novel coming out from Flux Publishing in August. https://www.elizabeth-holden.com/Liz is also the travel coordinator f…

1
Managing Expectations – TPW493 26:33

3M ago26:33

26:33

Disappointment (and worse) can result when we aren't clear on our expectations. Today we’re talking about managing expectations for less stress and more productivity.By Laura McClellan

1
Finding Your Perfect Agent Fit with Agent Ismita Hussain and Author Jessica Guerrieri 46:38

3M ago46:38

46:38

Please note: This episode contains mentions of alcoholism, recovery, and sobriety. We are so happy to welcome author Jessica Guerrieri and agent Ismita Hussain (Great Dog Literary) to the podcast. They're a great example of what to look for in an author-agent relationship--they're creative, collaborative, supportive, and successful (Jessica's debut…

1
Episode 66: Mastering Workplace Negotiations with Dorothy Mashburn 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing “Only" podcast, we delve into mastering workplace negotiations with Dorothy Mashburn, a leading authority in negotiation. Discover how you can maximize your leverage and unleash your power, freedom, and true potential. It all starts by dreaming big. Dorothy has a fervent mission to champion the un…

1
Crafting a Life That Matters: 10 Essential Questions – TPW492 52:43

3M ago52:43

52:43

Self-reflection is always time well spent, especially if it's helping us grow as an individual. In this episode we’re talking about questions we can ask ourselves to help us create a life that mattersBy Laura McClellan

1
Tuesday, May 7, 8:30pm ET: Free Query Workshop With Agent Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 43:21

4M ago43:21

43:21

We are so grateful to Emmy Nordstrom Higdon, agent at Westwood Creative Associates, who has offered to teach a free workshop for you all about the elements of querying—interest, emphasis, tension—that keep a busy agent reading in 2024. Get your free ticket (or replay ticket!) here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/emmyThe event is Tuesday, May 7, 8:30…

1
Productive Living: Financial Wellness, with Tamara Dias – TPW491 49:35

3M ago49:35

49:35

Certified financial social worker Tamara Dias joined me to talk about financial wellness and making a life that matters.By Laura McClellan

1
Writing Fantasy That Mirrors Our World With (Manuscript) Academy Award Winner Ali McLafferty 47:08

4M ago47:08

47:08

We are thrilled to introduce Ali McLafferty, author, teacher, and most recent winner of the as-yet-untitled (Manuscript) Academy Awards. Ali was nominated by agent Melissa Edwards (Stonesong Literary) for this gorgeous fantasy novel that brings up a lot of issues in our world as well. We discuss how she polished her query, how many drafts she did o…

1
Episode 65: Leveraging Your Uniqueness For Success with Lisa Hurley 52:31

4M ago52:31

52:31

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into leveraging your uniqueness as an “only” for success in professional settings with Lisa Hurley, an entrepreneur, writer, and Anthem award-winning activist. Being an “only” gives you visibility and accessibility. Two things you need for success. Discover how you can fli…

1
From the Vault: Working from Home – TPW490 45:05

4M ago45:05

45:05

Working from home has its benefits--and its challenges. This week I talk about both--and some solutions for the challengesBy Laura McClellan

1
Details, Focus and Visual Storytelling To Bring Any Genre To Life with Editor Melissa Warten Vogan 44:23

4M ago44:23

44:23

We love this creativity-packed episode with Melissa Vogan (née Melissa Warten), former editor at Macmillan, current editor at Epic For Kids. We discuss: *“Just enough” art notes - and how they’re useful for every genre *How you can guide the focus of your reader through sensory language *How to get to the heart of your story *How to disagree with a…

1
Mental Load and a Life that Matters – TPW489 1:00:19

4M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

How do you manage the mental load that's part of managing a household, a career, relationships, and a life in general? And how do we get others to share that mental load?By Laura McClellan

1
Episode 64: Cultural Intelligence in Corporate Spaces with Shiva Roofeh 47:23

4M ago47:23

47:23

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into cultural intelligence in the workplace with Shiva Roofeh, a self-described organizational justice practitioner and curious rebel. Discover how you can confront prejudice in leadership and uncover your unconscious biases to ultimately make you a better and more just le…

1
The Art of Balancing Solo and Social Time – TPW488 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

A meaningfully productive life includes a balance of solo and social time--but that balance is different for each of us.By Laura McClellan

1
Good, Better, Best, Agented! Julia Alexandra and Agent Ellen Goff on Plot, Character & World 47:54

5M ago47:54

47:54

You may remember Julia Alexandra from our episode in the fall when we went over three query versions with her (good, better, best): Well, she now has an agent! Ellen Goff (HG Literary) joins us with Julia to discuss balancing plot, character, and world--if your fantasy novel will hold up without your fantasy elements, which we're now calling "The G…

1
My Tools for Efficient Work – TPW487 40:30

5M ago40:30

40:30

The tools we use can make all the difference. In this episode I discuss some of the tools I use for efficient work.By Laura McClellan

1
Learning Advanced Point of View, Romantic Tension & Betrayal From A New Body-Swapping Novel 51:29

5M ago51:29

51:29

If you've ever had trouble with point of view in your work, wait until you hear the advanced logistical world author Nia Davenport had to navigate for her new novel, Out of Body, which she pitches as Freaky Friday meets Get Out. Not only does she have best friends, crushes, confused parents, and a villain on the loose--but she weaves it all into a …

1
Episode 63: From CIA to CEO - Thriving in an Unpredictable World with Rupal Patel 50:31

5M ago50:31

50:31

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into embracing the unpredictable nature of life with Rupal Patel, a CIA agent turned CEO. In a world that often forces us to conform, Rupal’s journey of embracing her uniqueness stands out. Rupal shares her insights on owning your weirdness, finding your tribe, and embraci…

1
Productive Reading: Switch Craft, by Elaine Fox, PhD – TPW486 51:33

5M ago51:33

51:33

This week features an installment in our recurring “Productive Reading” series, looking at key takeaways from Switch Craft, by Elaine Fox, PhD, and the tools that can help us thrive in a constantly changing world.By Laura McClellan

1
Success Stories: Aime Alley Card, Agent Leticia Gomez And One Olympic Team That Changed Everything 49:03

5M ago49:03

49:03

Tennessee, 1960. One extraordinary team of women--and the first all-Black women’s track team--found glory at the Olympic games in Rome. Here in America, their success was "an impossible dream come true."Now, author Aime Alley Card tells us her personal connection to the team, how she did her astonishing amount of research, and how she found agent L…

1
Swedish Death Cleaning – TPW485 35:24

5M ago35:24

35:24

Swedish Death Cleaning offers a thoughtful approach to decluttering that benefits us in the present and our loved ones when we're gone.By Laura McClellan

1
Episode 62: Creating Space & Opportunities for Others while You Navigate Your Own Career as a Minority 47:38

5M ago47:38

47:38

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are recapping some of the common themes that have been coming up between our recent guests. In the current political climate, something that continues to come up is being brave, being bold, and stepping out of your comfort zone to create an impact not only on yourself but on the…

1
Productive Living: Having It All, with Brooke Bentley – TPW484 55:28

6M ago55:28

55:28

Former NFL journalist Brooke Bentley chats with me about choices she's made over the course of her life and career, and the pressure to have it all.By Laura McClellan

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Mekke Podcasts

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