Best Professional Essay Writers Podcasts (2024)

1
Professional Writer Shares College Essay Advice, 5 Scholarship Opportunities, and Dave's Review of "Borrowed Future: How Student Loans Are Killing The American Dream" 40:13

1d ago40:13

40:13

This week, I'm joined by Sam Severn. Sam is a 14-time #1 best-selling ghostwriter, book doctor, screenwriter, and writing coach. Mentored by Academy Award-winner Stewart Stern (Rebel Without A Cause), Sam served as a consultant for the #1 best-sellers Tears For My City and The Revved Life. He also served as a consultant for Robert Beatty’s #1 best-…

1
[Lisa See, inner stuff]: “When I get edits back from my editor, it’s just like, ‘Please kill me now’” Ep 1123 24:25

4h ago24:25

24:25

In the second part of my conversation with hugely successful and popular (and oh my God, did this really happen??) Lisa See, author of Lady Tan's Circle of Women, The Island of Sea Women, and more, we talked about the interior side of writing–things like dealing with your inner critic and dealing with the parts you would really rather not do, thank…

1
[Lisa See, practical matters]: The fun little family research project that turned into a “New York Times” notable book + telling stories that have been hidden Ep 1122 24:32

1h ago24:32

24:32

I'm talking with Lisa See, the New York Times bestselling author of so many beloved books, including Lady Tan's Circle of Women, The Island of Sea Women, Snow Flower and the Secret Ban, Shanghai Girls, and Dreams of Joy. Lisa's books often center the experience of women across time and cultures, particularly stories that have been lost, forgotten, …

1
[Minda Honey, what's next]: Embracing the strengths of being a Black writer + braided essays + MANY awesome book and music recs Ep 1121 25:32

14m ago25:32

25:32

(Note, this episode is a replay that originally aired in February.) In this final installment of my talk with author and essayist Minda Honey, we cover: * The insights–on double consciousness, omniscience, and overlapping timelines–she got at a recent conference * How Andre 3000’s new flute album is cracking open possibilities in her mind * The con…

1
[Minda Honey, inner stuff]: Avoiding “self-exploitation” + countering the voices, external and internal, that criticize your work Ep 1120 20:17

1h ago20:17

20:17

In part 2 of my interview with essayist and author of the memoir "The Heartbreak Years," Minda Honey, we really break down the inner parts of writing, including how to stay focused on the impact your work is having when all some people want to do is complain. (Note, this episode is a replay that originally aired in February.) Other things we cover:…

1
An Update and a Request 2:18

19h ago2:18

2:18

Hello all and welcome to The Write Start Podcast. I’m Lisa Iannucci and this is a very short note from me. In what seems like a year of ups and downs for me, I am reaching out to let you know what’s been going on with me and when I’ll be back regularly. Take a listen and please email me once you're done. Would love to hear from you! Support the Sho…

1
Talking College with Dr. Andrea Brenner, a $25,000 Scholarship Opportunity, An Easy Weekender Scholarship for All High School Students, and More! 27:39

10d ago27:39

27:39

This week, I'm joined by Dr. Andrea Brenner, who brings 25 years of experience as a college professor and university administrator to her presentations with high school and college audiences. She is the creator of the Talking College™ card decks, the original card decks filled with insider tips and conversation prompts for college-bound students an…

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[Minda Honey, practical matters]: Answering the call to write + the right beverages are everything Ep 1119 21:01

1d ago21:01

21:01

Minda Honey is the author of "The Heartbreak Years," a hilarious and intimate memoir of a Black woman finding who she is and who she wants to be, one bad date at a time. Minda's essays on politics and relationships have appeared in all kinds of amazing places, including Harper's Bazaar, the Los Angeles Review of Books, The Washington Post, The Guar…

1
[Lucas Mann, what’s coming up]: Which reality TV show he gladly gives up sleep to watch + book recommendations galore Ep 1118 18:48

4d ago18:48

18:48

In this final installment of my conversation with author and bookstore co-owner Lucas Mann, we talk about the books, writers, TV shows, music, and even dinners that are getting his wheels turning, including: The book he recently read with his book club that got him excited about writing in new ways and that he couldn’t stop talking about Why a long…

1
[Lucas Mann, inner stuff]: Getting around an inner critic devoted to making sure you sound smart + releasing the desire to blow people away with your genius Ep 117 22:44

6d ago22:44

22:44

In this second part of my conversation with Lucas Mann, author of Attachments, Essays on Fatherhood and Other Performances and co-owner (with his wife, Ottavia) of the fabulous Riff Raff Bookstore and Bar in Providence, Rhode Island, we really got into the evolution of his thinking about what it means–and what it takes–to be a ‘successful’ writer, …

1
7 Steps to a Terrible College Essay, a HUGE Scholarship for Class of 2025, and 5 Other Scholarship Opportunities 45:07

8d ago45:07

45:07

This week, I'm joined by Mike Bergin, who has 30 years of intensive experience in every aspect of standardized test preparation. Mike is the founder of Chariot Learning, which delivers on the promise of what truly transformative, individualized education can and should be. Mike is also the founding President of the Board of Directors of the Nationa…

1
[Lucas Mann, practical matters]: Weaving in a new strand to the braid of your writing career + getting over the idea that writing is a solitary profession Ep 1116 26:03

15d ago26:03

26:03

This week I’m talking with Lucas Mann, author of multiple non-fiction books, including his latest, Attachments: Essays on Fatherhood and Other Performances, Captive Audience: On Love and Reality Television, Lord Fear: a Memoir, and Class A: Baseball in the Middle of Everywhere. In addition to writing books, Lucas has written essays that have appear…

1
[Justice Ameer: What’s coming up]: What zombies have to do with the trans feminine experience + why an iced chai latte might be the perfect beverage Ep 1115 25:18

11d ago25:18

25:18

In this third installment of my interview with poet and slam champion Justice Ameer, we talked about: The book that has opened a new vein of creativity for Justice Working to create more time for restoration, fellowship and connection to nature Writing about the trans feminine experience by using a zombie motif The anime series xe has been watching…

1
[Justice Ameer, inner stuff]: How being a mega-fan of whatever nerdy thing you love makes you a better writer + when your inner critic tells you you’re boring Ep 1114 22:40

13d ago22:40

22:40

In this second part of my interview with poet and slam champion, Justice Ameer, We talk about the mindset side of writing, including: The factoid about moths that inspired a recent poem Building up the revision muscle How not to get bored with your primary theme or subject matter Dealing with the admin side of writing as someone with ADHD When your…

1
7 New Scholarship Opportunities, Interview with a Scholarship Sponsor - Episode 823 25:25

24d ago25:25

25:25

This week I'm joined by John Fisher of the New York Injury & Malpractice Law Firm, the sponsor of the Sam's Legacy - Fighting to End Drunk Driving Scholarship, to discuss the the young man this scholarship honors and the things they are looking for in an application. ------- I am a strong advocate for the work of Lisa Marker-Robbins and Flourish Co…

1
[Justice Ameer, practical matters]: how to find your writing community + developing consistency as an artist—especially woth ADHD Ep 1113 27:22

15d ago27:22

27:22

This week I am talking with Justice Ameer, whom. Boston public radio station WBUR called “one of the most recognized trans poets of color on the local and national poetry scene.” Justice is a Feminine Empowerment Movement Slam Champion, and two -time Providence Grand Slam Champion,l. Justice describes xyr work as a practice in becoming unapologetic…

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[Octavia Randolph: What’s coming up]: Why Taylor Swift is a model for her + a glimpse of a big shift that’s brewing Ep 1112 19:54

18d ago19:54

19:54

In this final installment of my interview with Octavia Randolph, author of the hugely popular Circle of Ceridwen saga, a meticulously researched series of 11 books set in 9th century England and scandinavia, we get a sneak peek in her 12th book in the saga,and what she knows at this moment about where her personal throughline is leading her next. S…

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[Octavia Randolph, inner stuff]: Dealing with professional envy + an absolute master class on building a community of readers Ep 1111 21:57

20d ago21:57

21:57

This is the second part of my interview with Octavia Randolph, author of the hugely popular Circle of Ceridwen saga, a meticulously researched series of 11 books set in 9th century England and scandinavia. Octavia joined me from her home on Gotland, an island in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Sweden that played a prominent role in Viking history a…

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Why Social Studies Are Critical, 5 Scholarships for College Students, and More! - Episode 822 23:04

1M ago23:04

23:04

Links to the articles for this week's featured scholarships: $1000 Mrs. Prindables Future Educator Scholarship: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145580611?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled $1000 Capital Auto Auction Scholarship: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145580905?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled $1000 Flor…

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[Octavia Randolph, practical matters]: An amazing writing process that starts outside at 6 am + Independent publishing vs. self-publishing Ep 1110 23:28

22d ago23:28

23:28

This week I’m talking with Octavia Randoplh, a prolific and wildly successful author of historical novels and essays. She’s best known for her Circle of Ceridwen saga, a meticulously researched series of 11–soon to be 12–books set in 9th century England and scandinavia. Octavia now makes her home on Gotland, a small island off the coast of Sweden i…

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[Hayley Krischer: What’s coming up]: What she’s recently learned about understanding her character’s psyches + the incredible allure of hot tubs Ep 1109 19:21

25d ago19:21

19:21

In this final part of my interview with Hayley Krischer, journalist and author of the just-released “Where Are You, Echo Blue?”--the juiciest beach read of the year about a missing Hollywood starlet on the cusp of Y2K and the obsessed journalist determined to find here--we peek at what’s coming around the bend for her and I get her answers to my fa…

1
[Hayley Krischer, inner stuff]: True confessions about how “horrible” writing can feel + why–and how–she wrote her next novel in longhand Ep 1108 27:15

27d ago27:15

27:15

In this episode I'm talking with Hayley Krischer--author of the upcoming “Where Are You, Echo Blue?”, which dropped yesterday, July 16th, and is poised to be the beach read of the summer--about the squishier side of creativity, including: ** This week's episodes are a replay. ** - The steps Hayley takes–and the tools she uses–to immerse herself in …

1
Reusable Scholarship Essays, Career Advice from an Expert, and Student Credit Cards - Episode 821 27:59

1M ago27:59

27:59

Links to the articles for this week's featured scholarships: Courage to Grow: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145577473?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled Unigo Flavor of the Month: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145577712?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled Platt Family Essay Contest: https://nodebtcollege.substac…

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[Hayley Krischer, Practical Matters]: The power of just keeping going + how to capture those great ideas that come when you’re not at your desk Ep 1107 25:06

29d ago25:06

25:06

This week I am talking with journalist and novelist Hayley Krischer whose brand new novel drops this week, "Where Are You, Echo Blue?," which is about a journalist's obsessive search for Hollywood's hottest starlet who goes missing on the eve of Y2K. Hayley has profiled celebrities like Tatum O'Neill, Celine Dion, and Gabrielle Union for places lik…

1
[Mark Cecil: What’s coming up]: The iconic filmmaker who's a master myth maker + being honest about how much time you have for all the various parts of life Ep 1106 19:51

1M ago19:51

19:51

Welcome back to the Finding the Throughline interview with Mark Cecil, author of BUNYAN AND HENRY, OR, THE BEAUTIFUL DESTINY, a re-telling of the folk tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry that Publisher’s Weekly called “a fun romp with substance.” Mark is also the host of the Thoughtful Bro podcast where he interviews authors in what he calls “Like …

1
[Mark Cecil, inner stuff]: Why getting feedback on your work is like open-heart surgery + opting for the twisty path vs. the straight path to ‘success’ Ep 1105 25:00

1M ago25:00

25:00

In this second part of my interview with Mark Cecil, author of BUNYAN AND HENRY, OR, THE BEAUTIFUL DESTINY we cover the squishier side of writing–the thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs that influence the work, including: Why he considers getting feedback to be like open heart surgery–absolutely vital, yet painful–and ultimately, a time-saver And, iro…

1
A $35,000 Scholarship for ALL High School Students, Scholarships for Middle School & College Students - Episode 820 27:21

1M ago27:21

27:21

Scholarship GPS is my new online, on-demand, video-based course where I share my insights on how to find and earn scholarships. Each lesson is designed to be short, typically between three and ten minutes. This unique ‘bite-sized’ learning model is tailored to fit into your busy schedule, empowering you to learn at your own pace. As a Scholarship G…

1
[Mark Cecil, practical matters]: On writing multiple books before writing the one that got published + the genius trick that kept him going Ep 1104 24:34

1M ago24:34

24:34

This week I’m talking with author and journalist Mark Cecil. Mark’s debut novel BUNYAN AND HENRY, OR, THE BEAUTIFUL DESTINY, a retelling of the folk tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry, has just come out. (The book was named one of the most anticipated books of 2024 from Goodreads, while Publishers Weekly called it “boisterous and a fun romp with p…

1
6 Exciting Scholarship Opportunities! - Episode 819 10:27

2M ago10:27

10:27

This week's featured scholarships: BK Law Group Strong Work Ethic Scholarship: https://bk-lawgroup.com/2024-strong-work-ethic-scholarship/ Busald Funk Zevely PSC Underdog Scholarship: https://bfzlaw.com/2024-underdog-scholarship/ J. Ryan Brown Law Fight for Freedom Scholarship: https://jryanbrownlaw.com/2024-fight-for-freedom-scholarship/ Franchise…

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Finding the Throughline ep. 25: It's our six month-iversary! A quick review of the surprises, the insights, and ways my thinking about writing has changed as a result Ep 1101 33:23

1M ago33:23

33:23

Since this week is both the podcast’s half-birthday and the Fourth of July week--which means you’re more likely to be at a BBQ or the beach and not listening to podcasts--I thought I’d switch things up this week and do one episode where I do a little review of what I've learned and what has stuck with me after the 24 conversations with writers I’ve…

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Weekender: $2000 Scholarship Sweepstakes - Episode 818 2:45

2M ago2:45

2:45

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145547168?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled Scholarship GPS is my new online, on-demand, video-based course where I share my insights on how to find and earn scholarships. Each lesson is designed to be short, typically between three and te…

1
Talking to Our Kids About Money - Episode 817 18:35

2M ago18:35

18:35

Danny Kofke worked as a school teacher for 18 years; he has written several personal finance books, including A Bright Financial Future: Teaching Kids about Money Pre-K Through College for Lifelong Success. Danny has appeared on numerous national television shows, including Fox & Friends, CNN's Newsroom, The 700 Club, and MSNBC Live. Danny has been…

1
$1000 Share the Road Scholarship - Episode 816 1:14

2M ago1:14

1:14

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://fredsonstatmore.com/2024-share-the-road-scholarship/By nodebtcollege

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[Julie Gerstenblatt: what’s coming up]: How to approach writing about something you have little firsthand experience of + the magic of a Disney soundtrack, Ep 1100 22:28

2M ago22:28

22:28

In this final installment of interview with “Daughters of Nantucket” author Julie Gerstenblatt, we get a peek at her next novel and the very clever, and fun-sounding, way she’s dealing with the nerves that are cropping up as she writes about something she has very little firsthand experience with. We talked about: All the places she’s researching m…

1
$1000 Entrepreneur Scholarship - Episode 815 0:54

2M ago0:54

0:54

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://franchise.law/2024-franchise-law-entrepreneur-scholarship/By nodebtcollege

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$1000 Fight for Freedom Scholarship - Episode 814 1:05

2M ago1:05

1:05

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://jryanbrownlaw.com/2024-fight-for-freedom-scholarship/By nodebtcollege

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[Julie Gerstenblatt, inner stuff]: A ninja mind trick for making a daily writing goal seem easy + why you should show and tell, Ep 1099 21:27

2M ago21:27

21:27

In this second part of my interview with Julie Gerstenblat, author of “The Daughters of Nantucket,” I talk with Julie about the mindset side of writing. We talked about: How she’s convinced herself that her daily word count goal is much easier than it actually is (this is a cool Jedi mind trick) and the pep talks she gives herself The part of writi…

1
$1000 Underdog Scholarship - Episode 813 0:56

2M ago0:56

0:56

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://bfzlaw.com/2024-underdog-scholarship/By nodebtcollege

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$1000 Strong Work Ethic Scholarship - Episode 812 0:59

2M ago0:59

0:59

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://bk-lawgroup.com/2024-strong-work-ethic-scholarship/By nodebtcollege

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[Julie Gerstenblatt, practical matters]: On writing novels that will never be published + stepping out into a new genre Ep 1098 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

This week I am talking with Julie Gerstenblatt, whose debut novel, “Daughters of Nantucket,” came out last year and was included in several most anticipated lists for 2023. Prior to writing novels, Julie was a middle school English teacher and earned her PhD so that she could teach at the college level, but she ended up leaving teaching because she…

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Weekender: $2000 No Essay Scholarship - Episode 811 2:39

2M ago2:39

2:39

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145502582?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled Scholarship GPS is my new online, on-demand, video-based course where I share my insights on how to find and earn scholarships. Each lesson is designed to be short, typically between three and te…

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$100,000+ Scholarship Winner Shares Advice - Episode 810 22:57

2M ago22:57

22:57

Over $100,000! That’s how much one of my Class of 2024 Scholarship Coaching students has won (so far!). In the latest edition of Your Daily Scholarship, Talon, and his mom, Audria, share their incredible scholarship journey. Listening to Talon and Audria will help you understand why the common advice to ignore private scholarships is a terrible ide…

1
$1000 Build a Better Future Scholarship - Episode 809 1:02

2M ago1:02

1:02

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://solanofirm.com/2024-build-a-better-future-scholarship/By nodebtcollege

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[Lisa Tener: what’s coming up]: The simple shift that “makes life juicier” + a recipe for Lisa’s all-time favorite tea Ep 1097 21:23

2M ago21:23

21:23

In this final installment of my conversation with award-winning book coach (who has helped dozens and dozens and dozens of experts get five- and six-figure book deals) and author of the brand-new book “Breathe. Write. Breathe.” Lisa Tener, we get a look at what’s coming up for her, and she answers my fast five final questions. Wa talked about: The …

1
Reader/Listener Poll - Episode 808 2:12

2M ago2:12

2:12

Please fill out the 2024 Your Daily Scholarship Listener Poll Here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145332718?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled Scholarship GPS is my new online, on-demand, video-based course where I share my insights on how to find and earn scholarships. Each lesson is designed to be short, typically between three…

1
$1000 Maple Flooring Manufacturers Scholarship - Episode 807 2:44

2M ago2:44

2:44

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145498953?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled Scholarship GPS is my new online, on-demand, video-based course where I share my insights on how to find and earn scholarships. Each lesson is designed to be short, typically between three and te…

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[Lisa Tener, inner stuff]: Practical ways to get out of the fear of not making enough money + embracing surrender Ep 1096 21:52

2M ago21:52

21:52

In this second part of my interview with Lisa Tener–award-winning book coach and author of the brand-new “Breath. Write. Breathe.”--we get into the squishier parts of writing. Warning, this part of our conversation is super juicy! Not in a sexy way, but in a “wow I’m really thinking differently about stuff that’s been plaguing me forever” kind of w…

1
$1000 KB Delta Scholarship - Episode 806 2:10

2M ago2:10

2:10

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145498491?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled Scholarship GPS is my new online, on-demand, video-based course where I share my insights on how to find and earn scholarships. Each lesson is designed to be short, typically between three and te…

1
$5000 Hearts For Community Scholarship - Episode 805 1:34

2M ago1:34

1:34

Click here to learn more about today's featured scholarship: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/publish/post/145635033?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled Scholarship GPS is my new online, on-demand, video-based course where I share my insights on how to find and earn scholarships. Each lesson is designed to be short, typically between three and te…

1
[Lisa Tener, practical matters]: The tools that help Lisa get her writing done + an easy and fun physical exercise that gets you in the flow Ep 1095 22:27

2M ago22:27

22:27

This week I am talking with award-winning book coach and award-winning author–of the books The Joy of Writing Journal and the brand-new Breathe.Write. Breathe.--Lisa Tener. Lisa served on the faculty of the Harvard Medical School’s continuing education course on writing and publishing books for over a dozen years. And she has helped hundreds of exp…

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