I’m hooked on podcasts as a great way to inspire me to write, write and write until the prose is perfect.
I’ve discovered that there are some wonderful podcasts that feature a wide variety of authors. So when I’m toiling at the gym — lifting weights, struggling on a Nautilus machine, or huffing and puffing on those revolving steps — I take my mind off the pain by listening to some inspiration.
It’s fascinating to hear about how other writers approach their craft and talk specifically about books or songs or articles they’ve written.
Here are my go-to podcasts to hear a variety of authors:
Fresh Air with host Terry Gross:
Terry and her fill-in hosts often develop a great rapport with the authors they interview (and this podcast also features media stars, newsmakers, etc.) One of my favorite podcasts is a compilation of interviews with Pat Conroy (author of Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, etc.). Fresh Air produced it after Conroy died in March. You can listen to that one here.
Longform:
I learned about this podcast from WXXI journalist Veronica Volk one day when we were chatting. The hosts are Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky and Evan Ratliff. I love how they take a casual and enthusiastic (almost gee-whiz) approach to their subjects — all non-fiction writers (like me) — whom they often interview in their homes or offices. A couple that were especially insightful are with Cheryl Strayed (Wild) and Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray Love).
The Commonwealth Club:
The Commonwealth Club offers interviews and speeches from a variety of “thought leaders” before a live audience in San Francisco. I’m a fan of New York Times columnist David Brooks, so I recommend this podcast where Brooks talks about his book The Road to Character.
On Being With Krista Tippet:
Krista Tippett’s weekly podcast offers a cornucopia of fascinating people, from Catholic monks to Jewish leaders to scientists to activists and on and on. Not too long ago, she interviewed Adam Gopnik, whom I know best as a New Yorker writer. Let’s not forget songwriters and composers are sources of writing inspiration either. This podcast with Bobby McFerrin is really special. And I became a fan of Roseanne Cash after hearing her talk about her childhood and relationship with her father, Johnny Cash.