Best Writers Guild of America, West Podcasts (2024)

1
Ep. 377 - Josh Margolin 51:18

5h ago51:18

51:18

Host Josephine Green Zhang talks with screenwriter-director Joshua Margolin about his feature debut Thelma, how his grandmother’s own experience inspired the film, how his improv comedy background informs his creative process, and more.

1
Ep. 376 - Union Town: Hollywood Teamsters Talk Negotiations Part 2 37:08

2d ago37:08

37:08

As the Teamsters and Hollywood Basic crafts continue their negotiations with the studios, we’re coming to you with the second half of our two-part series on the issues they hope to address. This time, WGAW member Jonterri Gadson sits down with Teamsters local 399 members and Chef’s Assistants Carlos Gonzales and Ester Garcia.…

1
Making Impactful Films with Oscar & Emmy-winning Director SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY - Highlights 10:29

17d ago10:29

10:29

“As a filmmaker, I've always made films about extraordinary women whose lives are faced with extenuating circumstances who've had adversity thrown at them and who've risen to the occasion. And when I began to look at Diane's story, for me, Diane is a fashion designer, but she's so much more. Her central ethos is woman before fashion, and we felt it…

1
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: Woman in Charge w/ Oscar-winning Director SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY 37:47

20d ago37:47

37:47

How can we free ourselves from fear and social barriers to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives? What does it take to overcome trauma and turn it into triumph, and failure into reinvention? How can we shine a light on the marginalized and misunderstood to create social change that transforms the lives of women? Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is an Osca…

1
Fire in the Southwest Ep. 4: The Shifting Role of the Forest Stewards Guild in an Era of Megafires, with Zander Evans 45:47

18d ago45:47

45:47

Welcome to episode four of our Fire in the Southwest Series, supported by the Southwest Fire Science Consortium as well as the Arizona Wildfire Initiative! Today's guest, Zander Evans, is the executive director of the Forest Stewards Guild, which has a mission of promoting ecologically-, economically-, and socially-responsible forestry as a means o…

1
Ep. 375 - Molly McNearney and Danny Ricker 32:53

23d ago32:53

32:53

WGAW member Jonterri Gadson talks with Jimmy Kimmel Live Head Writers Molly McNearney and Danny Ricker about the creative challenges of writing for a late-night comedy/variety talk series, their advice on what it takes to submit a great writing “packet,” balancing the personal and professional, and much more.…

1
Fire in the Southwest Series, Ep. 3: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Western Fire Management with Jon Martin 37:32

25d ago37:32

37:32

Welcome to our third episode of our Fire in the Southwest series! In this episode, we spoke with Jon Martin, who is the Director of Native American Forest and Rangeland Management Programming at the Ecological Restoration Institute at Northern Arizona University. Jon spent three decades working in forestry before retiring, and now uses his extensiv…

1
Ep. 374 - Dave Filoni 45:47

1M ago45:47

45:47

On this episode, Ahsoka creator and Mandalorian writer Dave Filoni talks about expanding the Stars Wars universe, his new role as Lucasfilm’s Chief Content Officer, and more.

1
Fire in the Southwest Series, Ep.2: The Grassification of the Sonoran Desert with Ecologist Mary Lata 46:39

1M ago46:39

46:39

What is it like to watch vegetation type-conversion in real time? How are invasive grasses changing the ecology of the desert and broader Southwest? What's being done to protect and restore Southwest ponderosa pine forests? This episode with Tonto National Forest fire ecologist Mary Lata dives into the fire regimes of the Southwest, how they're cha…

1
Union Town - Hollywood Teamsters Talk Negotiations Part 1 36:03

1M ago36:03

36:03

In a special full-episode of Union Town, WGAW member/captain Jonterri Gadson talks with Teamsters Local 399 members Doug Weaver and Alison Taylor about the work they do and the importance of this negotiation. This is part one of a two-part series on the issues Hollywood Teamsters hope to address in their current negotiations with the studios.…

1
Fire in the Southwest Series, Ep. 1: Southwest Fire Regimes and Post-Fire Community Support with Mary Stuever 48:33

2M ago48:33

48:33

Welcome to the first part of our six-episode series all about the Southwest, sponsored by the Southwest Fire Science Consortium and the Arizona Wildfire Initiative! In this episode, which is serving as an introduction to the series, we spoke with Mary Stuever, who is the Cimarron District Forester for New Mexico Forestry Division. Mary has a breadt…

1
Ep. 373 - Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky 31:32

2M ago31:32

31:32

Host Andra Whipple talks with Hacks creators & showrunners Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky about returning for Season 3 of their Max comedy series, reflections on last year’s WGA strike, and why writing is essential at every stage of the process.

1
Ep. 372 - Lulu Wang | Ridiculousness Writers Get First Contract 57:54

2M ago57:54

57:54

Timed to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, WGAW Asian American Writers Committee Chair Kristina Woo speaks with Expats creator-showrunner & filmmaker Lulu Wang about her Amazon series, authentic representation, transitioning to television, and more. (1:00) Next up, WGAW member Jonterri Gadson talks with Ridiculousness wr…

1
Remembering PAUL AUSTER - Writer, Director (1947-2024) 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

It is said that people never die until the last person says their name. In memory of the writer and director Paul Auster, who passed away this week, we're sharing this conversation we had back in 2017 after the publication of his novel 4 3 2 1. Auster reflects on his body of work, life, and creative process. Paul Auster was the bestselling author o…

1
Ep. 371 - Jen D'Angelo | Chris Keyser & David A. Goodman's Morgan Cox Acceptance Speeches 46:22

3M ago46:22

46:22

In this episode WGAW member Susie Singer Carter talks with 2024 Writers Guild Award-winning writer Jen D’Angelo (01:10) about crafting films such as Quiz Lady and Totally Killer, how her improv comedy experience informs her creative process, and more. For the Union Town segment (31:31), 2023 WGA Negotiating Committee Co-Chairs and past WGAW Preside…

1
There’s another side to every war. Satire, War & Hollywood - Co-creator DON McKELLAR on The Sympathizer 9:44

3M ago9:44

9:44

On casting Robert Downey Jr. in 4 Roles: "That was Park Chan-wook's idea early on. In the book, there are these sorts of male-white figures of the American establishment. They're all differentiated in the book, but he had the idea. What if we have one actor playing all the parts kind of like Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove and immediately we thoug…

1
DON McKELLAR on The Sympathizer with Hoa Xuande, Robert Downey Jr., Park Chan-wook 38:57

3M ago38:57

38:57

What are the stories we tell ourselves to justify our actions in times of war? How can the arts convey complexity and foster understanding? Don McKellar is a highly accomplished writer, director, and actor. He has written films including Roadkill, Highway 61, Dance Me Outside, The Red Violin, and Blindness. He won the Prix de la Jeunesse at the 198…

1
Ep. 370 - Brit Marling | AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe 1:00:01

3M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

In this episode’s Union Town segment (01:03), WGAW member “Jazz” Peck talks with American Federation of Musicians Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe about representing musicians in the industry, the power of solidarity, and the magic that both musicians and writers create with their work. Then, WGAW member Aaron Fullerton talks with A Murder at t…

1
Do good deeds offset bad deeds? How do our families shape who we become?- Highlights - DAN FUTTERMAN & ADAM RAPP 11:07

3M ago11:07

11:07

"We ended on such a cliffhanger with Isaac presenting the wrench at the police station to Jeff Daniels' character. It allowed us to sort of start from a place of what's going to happen next? And I think because what is drawn in the novel and because of what Danny brought into the original script of the first season and all the ideas he brought in. …

1
Exploring American Rust: Broken Justice w/ DAN FUTTERMAN & ADAM RAPP - Award-winning Screenwriters/EPs 39:11

3M ago39:11

39:11

What role do the families we’re born into or the traumas we experience shape the people we become? Do good deeds offset bad deeds? How can the arts increase our capacity for empathy, understanding, and kindness? Dan Futterman is creator, executive producer, and writer of Amazon Prime's American Rust, the acclaimed crime drama starring Jeff Daniels,…

1
THE BEAVER EPISODE (finally!) with Dr. Emily Fairfax and Dr. Sophie Gilbert 51:21

4M ago51:21

51:21

The long-awaited beaver episode! In this episode, we learn about how beavers are not only champions of wildfire resilience but are also sleeper endurance athletes (climbing mountains to find new watersheds), dedicated anti-capitalists (not giving a **** about the regulatory or material concerns of humans), expert engineers (casually restoring entir…

1
Consciousness, AI & Creativity with DUSTIN O’HALLORAN - Emmy Award-winning Composer 51:02

4M ago51:02

51:02

What will happen when Artificial General Intelligence arrives? What is the nature of consciousness? How are music and creativity pathways for reconnecting us to our humanity and the natural world? Dustin O’Halloran is a pianist and composer and member of the band A Winged Victory for the Sullen. Winner of a 2015 Emmy Award for his main title theme …

1
How can music help us expand our understanding of consciousness & AI? - Highlights - DUSTIN O’HALLORAN 51:08

4M ago51:08

51:08

"The film Lion, when we got involved, there was a pretty early cut. So it was about trying to get into the picture and what would really work with the scenes, but also to sometimes just put it away and just really get to the heart of the film, too, because there was a big overarching feeling to the film. The feeling of home and the feeling of being…

1
Creating Safe Spaces: ITA O’BRIEN & the Art of Intimacy Coordination - Highlights 12:52

4M ago12:52

12:52

"For years, people spoke about how awkward or embarrassing it was to perform the intimate content. And what they're speaking about is feeling horrible. If something's awkward, that squirm, that ring in the body, it feels embarrassing. That's actually an emotion that is not professional. That is not allowing the actor to stay feeling listened to, he…

1
Intimacy Coordinator ITA O’BRIEN on Normal People, Sex Education & Creating Safe Spaces 52:46

4M ago52:46

52:46

How can intimate scenes be brought to the screen in ways that respect the emotional well-being and privacy of the artists themselves? How do we make sure that we can create a story about abuse without anyone being abused in the process? Ita O’Brien is the UK’s leading Intimacy Coordinator, founder of Intimacy on Set (and author of the Intimacy On S…

1
Ep. 369 - Francesca Sloane | Many Crafts, One Fight Recap 42:10

4M ago42:10

42:10

In this episode’s Union Town segment (1:00), Writers Guild members turn out in force to show solidarity at the recent Many Crafts, One Fight rally to kick off crew unions IATSE, Teamsters, and Hollywood Basic Crafts’ negotiations with the AMPTP. Then, host Josephine Green Zhang talks with Mr. and Mrs. Smith co-creator and showrunner Francesca Sloan…

1
The Transformative Power of Writing with ANDRE DUBUS III - Highlights 13:03

4M ago13:03

13:03

"The character I wrote about in House of Sand and Fog was based on a former colonel and aeronautical engineer in the Shah's Air Force. I watched him work at a gas station. And on his days off, he'd put on his suit and look for better work. One night I'm helping him bring his groceries in, and he said in his thick Persian accent, "You know, I used t…

1
Exploring Trauma, Healing & Redemption w/ ANDRE DUBUS III - Author of House of Sand & Fog 55:21

4M ago55:21

55:21

What can reading teach us about loss, healing, and survival? How can we transform anger into empathy? What can we learn from the creative act about turning personal setbacks into opportunities for self-discovery and growth? Andre Dubus III’s nine books include the New York Times’ bestsellers House of Sand and Fog, The Garden of Last Days, and his m…

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Writers Guild Of America, West Podcasts

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1
Ep. 377 - Josh Margolin 51:18

1
Ep. 376 - Union Town: Hollywood Teamsters Talk Negotiations Part 2 37:08

1
Making Impactful Films with Oscar & Emmy-winning Director SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY - Highlights 10:29

1
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: Woman in Charge w/ Oscar-winning Director SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY 37:47

1
Fire in the Southwest Ep. 4: The Shifting Role of the Forest Stewards Guild in an Era of Megafires, with Zander Evans 45:47

1
Ep. 375 - Molly McNearney and Danny Ricker 32:53

1
Fire in the Southwest Series, Ep. 3: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Western Fire Management with Jon Martin 37:32

1
Ep. 374 - Dave Filoni 45:47

1
Fire in the Southwest Series, Ep.2: The Grassification of the Sonoran Desert with Ecologist Mary Lata 46:39

1
Union Town - Hollywood Teamsters Talk Negotiations Part 1 36:03

1
Fire in the Southwest Series, Ep. 1: Southwest Fire Regimes and Post-Fire Community Support with Mary Stuever 48:33

1
Ep. 373 - Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky 31:32

1
Ep. 372 - Lulu Wang | Ridiculousness Writers Get First Contract 57:54

1
Remembering PAUL AUSTER - Writer, Director (1947-2024) 49:14

1
Ep. 371 - Jen D'Angelo | Chris Keyser & David A. Goodman's Morgan Cox Acceptance Speeches 46:22

1
There’s another side to every war. Satire, War & Hollywood - Co-creator DON McKELLAR on The Sympathizer 9:44

1
DON McKELLAR on The Sympathizer with Hoa Xuande, Robert Downey Jr., Park Chan-wook 38:57

1
Ep. 370 - Brit Marling | AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe 1:00:01

1
Do good deeds offset bad deeds? How do our families shape who we become?- Highlights - DAN FUTTERMAN & ADAM RAPP 11:07

1
Exploring American Rust: Broken Justice w/ DAN FUTTERMAN & ADAM RAPP - Award-winning Screenwriters/EPs 39:11

1
THE BEAVER EPISODE (finally!) with Dr. Emily Fairfax and Dr. Sophie Gilbert 51:21

1
Consciousness, AI & Creativity with DUSTIN O’HALLORAN - Emmy Award-winning Composer 51:02

1
How can music help us expand our understanding of consciousness & AI? - Highlights - DUSTIN O’HALLORAN 51:08

1
Creating Safe Spaces: ITA O’BRIEN & the Art of Intimacy Coordination - Highlights 12:52

1
Intimacy Coordinator ITA O’BRIEN on Normal People, Sex Education & Creating Safe Spaces 52:46

1
Ep. 369 - Francesca Sloane | Many Crafts, One Fight Recap 42:10

1
The Transformative Power of Writing with ANDRE DUBUS III - Highlights 13:03

1
Exploring Trauma, Healing & Redemption w/ ANDRE DUBUS III - Author of House of Sand & Fog 55:21

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