PODCAST · arts
The Thoughtful Bro
by Mark Cecil
The Thoughtful Bro, hosted by Mark Cecil, is a podcast for writers, readers, and anyone interested in a tale well told. Each episode features an author who's recently published a book, and we unpack how and why they wrote it. It's "Inside the Actors Studio"...but for storytellers.
Episodes
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Episode 96: Keith Rosson
My chat with rising horror phenom Keith Rosson about his latest book, which is getting all the buzz, Crone. We covered (1) taking on zombies, vampires, and now witches; (2) finding the right moment in your life, to *finally* write that book that's been buried in you for decades; and (3) weaving...
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Episode 95: Alma Katsu
My interview with one of my favorite speculative/horror authors, Alma Katsu, whose latest book, Incarnate, is a cross between Rumpelstiltskin, Oscar Wilde's Picture Of Dorian Gray, and digital urban legend. We discussed, (1) the rapidly growing online contemporary folklore / horror scene, a.k.a....
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Episode 94: Ron Charles
My exploration of the American publishing landscape with one of our great book critics, Ron Charles. We discussed (1) the cardinal sin of novels—sentimentality, (2) whether readers will soon care if their books are mass-produced AI slop rather than the expression of flesh-and-blood humans; and…
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Episode 93: Irvine Welsh
My chat with Scottish literary punk icon Irvine Welsh, who came on to discuss his sequel to Trainspotting, Men In Love. We covered, (1) the impact of his iconic, generational film thirty years later, (2) how AI is trying to make us all redundant, and how creative expression is how to strike back,...
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Episode 92: Teddy Wayne
My chat with Teddy Wayne about his latest literary thriller, The Au Pair. We covered (1) techniques for writing a bingeable book that can beat prestige TV at its own game; (2) the unexpected way he figured out the devilish final twist for his ending, and (3) why ambition and sex are the...
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Episode 91: Matthew Quick
My talk with Silver Linings Playbook author Matthew Quick, discussing his poignant memoir, Dad, Love, Me. We covered, (1) his effort to end the cycle of generational abuse by caring for his father who now has dementia, (2) how trauma served as both a blessing and a curse, fueling a creative...
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Episode 90: Caroline Kepnes
My interview with Caroline Kepnes, creator of the You series, on her latest Joe Goldberg book, You First. We discussed (1) how she created a voice that's so electric and hypnotic, (2) what Joe Goldberg understands about people that allows him to manipulate them so well, and (3) the one thing that...
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Episode 89: Kimberly Hensle Lowrance
My talk with my good friend Kimberly Hensle Lowrance on her debut novel What Remains Of You. We covered: (1) the architecture of planting a "phat hook" in the first few pages to snag a reader good; (2) why she didn't give up on the nine-year road to getting her first book released; and (3) what...
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Episode 88: Dane Bahr
My interview with Dane Bahr on his prohibition era thriller, one part David Mamet, one part Cormac McCarthy, The Dead Ringer. We discussed: (1) being a literary guy among diesel mechanics; (2) how he's activated to the highest expression by the darkest underbellies and hardest truths; and (3)…
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Episode 87: Courtney Maum
My one-on-one with Courtney Maum, re her latest novel Alan Opts Out. We covered: (1) The longing for the better aspects of the pandemic, when the whole world, for one brief moment, opted out, (2) her lifelong struggles with plot, and (3) the most important rule for a writer: don't be ruled by…
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Episode 86: Jordan Ritter Conn
My interview with ESPN/The Ringer writer Jordan Ritter Conn about his new work of narrative non-fiction, American Men. We covered: (1) How men cope with the gap between who they truly are and their ideal of masculinity, (2) what the manosphere tells men they need, versus what they *actually* need...
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Episode 85: Isaac Fitzgerald
My talk with a true American Rambler, Isaac Fitzgerald, whose latest is about walking in the footsteps of folklore icon Johnny Appleseed. We chatted re: (1) the tradition of literary quests in search of the spirit of America, (2) how the *real* America ain't what's on your screens, and (3) why…
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Episode 84: Dr. Brennan Spiegel
My interview with Dr. Brennan Spiegel on his new book, Pull, about how to overthrow our oldest oppressor—gravity. We discussed: (1) how your relationship with gravity impacts your health—both mind and body; (2) how becoming gravity-resilient is a goal we all should shoot for, and (3) tips for...
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Episode 83: Andrew Krivak
My talk with National Book Award-nominee Andrew Krivak, discussing his latest novel, Mule Boy, a book that Publishers Weekly called "flawless." We covered (1) the importance of wrestling with the old, hard, elemental questions through words; (2) the pride of 20th century coal miners, who loved...
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Episode 82: Christopher Castellani
My probing discussion with Christopher Castellani re his brand-new literary/true crime novel Last Seen. We discussed (1) the Smiley Face Murder Theory, (2) how understanding the motives of your narrator is the key to any story, and (3) the real reason why some writers give up, and some keep…
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Episode 81: Patrick Ryan
My chat with "overnight success" and One Story editor-in-chief Patrick Ryan, who published his debut novel for adults, Buckeye, at 60 years old, and it became the runaway hit of last year. We discussed (1) how novels have the unique ability to present audiences with the grand sweep of time; (2)...
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Episode 80: Jenna Blum
My fab interview with the legendary Jenna Blum, who's written one of the most purely entertaining books I've read in ages, Murder Your Darlings. I was there for the whole life cycle of this book, from the moment she thought of it, all the way to launch. We discussed: (1) making a mid-career genre...
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Episode 79: Ottessa Moshfegh
My galvanizing 1:1 with one of the coolest writers out there, Ottessa Moshfegh. We discussed: (1) what happens when an artist is open about their world-sized ambitions; (2) the connection between the artist and the "god" (for lack of a better word) of creativity; and (3) how to create the kind of...
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Episode 78: Julian Brave NoiseCat
My talk with Oscar-nominated director ("Sugarcane") and first time author Julian Brave NoiseCat, on his new memoir/"coyote story" We Survived The Night. We discussed (1) a father son saga so improbable, it almost requires a higher power to explain it, (2) the haunting legacy of indigenous…
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Episode 77: Elaine Castillo
My electrifying interview with Elaine Castillo, author of Moderation, which the New Yorker called "one of the best books of the year." We discussed (1) the psychological hellscape of the content moderator, one of the worst jobs on earth; (2) the redemptive power of VR therapeutics, and (3) how…
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Episode 76: Jon Hickey
My chat with Jon Hickey, author of the timely debut novel Big Chief, a study of big egos, bad blood, and mudslinging reservation politics. We discussed: (1) the power of belonging, and how it drives power stuggles; (2) the sorrow of losing touch with your culture, and (3) the patient work of…
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Episode 75: Jennifer Armentrout
My interview with one of the queens of Romantasy, Jennifer L. Armentrout, discussing her latest in the bestselling Blood And Ash series. We discussed (1) The psychological underpinnings of popular tropes (The Chosen One, Enemies To Lovers); (2) What she'd fix about publishing (hire editors…
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Episode 74: Stephen Greenblatt
My *utterly electric* convo with one of the great non-fiction writers and scholars of our time, Stephen Greenblatt. Stephen is the Pulitzer Prize winning/bestselling author of some of my favorite books EVER about literary history (including The Swerve), and he's out now with Dark Renaissance…
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Episode 73: Jon Raymond
My chat with God And Sex author Jon Raymond, a book that The New York Times assures "lives up to its epic title." We covered: (1) writing a story that unites the worldviews of his Buddhist father and Jewish mother; (2) drawing inspiration from Graham Greene's classic The End Of The Affair, and…
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Episode 72: Daniel Kraus
My interview with bestselling Whalefall author Daniel Kraus, chatting about his new World War I novel (written entirely in one sentence!), Angel Down. We covered: (1) the Whalefall film adaptation, starring fellow actor (and writer), Josh Brolin; (2) His previous collabs with horror/fantasy…
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Episode 71: Bruce Holsinger
My conversation with Bruce Holsinger, author of the bestseller/Oprah pick Culpability, in which a family is torn apart in the wake of a self-driving car accident. We discussed, (1) the rampant feeling of fear and malaise related to the ongoing AI culture takeover, (2) writing zeitgeisty novels…
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Episode 70: Stephen Graham Jones
My interview with horror master Stephen Graham Jones discussing his latest, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. Our talk covered (1) re-inventing the vampire for the American West, (2) writing for the fans v. writing for the critics, and (3) the ancient and visceral attributes of the horror genre (and how...
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Episode 69: Phil Melanson
My interview with Phil Melanson re his bestselling debut Florenzer. Topics included: (1) the secret/suppressed details of Leonardo da Vinci's sex life, (2) the scandalous details surrounding the most expensive painting ever sold (Salvator Mundi), and (3) the mysterious/beguiling/restless nature…
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Episode 68: Brendan Slocumb
My convo with Brendan Slocumb re his latest thriller set in the world of classical music, The Dark Maestro. We covered (1) how people can't really hide the art that needs to come out of them; (2) musical prodigies from underprivileged backgrounds (there's more of them out there than you think)…
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Episode 67: Dana Spiotta
My 1:1 with novelist + novel-structure-master Dana Spiotta. We discussed her latest novel, Wayward, as well as (1) midlife crises...the female version; (2) the risks of "challenging" the reader with innovative novel forms, and (3) her techniques for giving humane feedback. Order Mark's novel…
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Episode 66: David Baldacci
My interview with David Baldacci discussing his career selling over 150 million books, his MasterClass on writing, and his latest novel, Stranger in Time. We covered (1) the one skill he wishes he had, that some other writers do with ease, (2) how he is, in my estimation, the Tom Cruise of...
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Episode 65: Adam Ross
My *everything* talk with Adam Ross, discussing his hit literary novel Playworld. Along with *everything* (we covered a lot of ground) we also chatted about (1) Safetyism v. Adventure in raising kids today, (2) the origin and theory behind his beautifully warm opening paragraph, and (3) his...
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Episode 64: Alexander Sammartino
My interview with NYPL Young Lion/5-Under-35 debut author Alexander Sammartino, on his novel Last Acts. We discussed: (1) the search for transcendence and "leaving your body" via literature; (2) father & son stories; and (3) unchecked Samuel Beckett fandom. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro…
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Episode 63: Colum McCann
My talk with National Book Award-winner Colum McCann, discussing his latest novel, Twist. We explored, (1) the underwater garden hose-sized tubes that (rather vulnerably) carry all the world's information; (2) how writers ought to feel in the age of AI writing (hint: undaunted!); and (3) how the...
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Episode 62: Ron Currie
My fresh convo on with Ron Currie re his latest novel, the family crime saga, The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne. We discussed: (1) creating existentialist heroes, (2) eats-nails-for-breakfast French Canadian female mobsters, and (3) how leading an authentic life as the highest virtue in a...
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Episode 61: Callan Wink
Unpacking storytelling with Callan Wink, who's out with a new novel, Beartooth. Topics: (1) reinventing the heist novel, (2) life in the *real* Yellowstone (as opposed to Kevin Costner's TV version) and (3) the pros and cons of living the writers' life far from the Brooklyn literary/publishing...
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Episode 60: Eric Puchner
My chat with Eric Puchner about his incredible Oprah's Book Club pick Dream State. We discussed (1) writing the "good old fashioned" novel, (2) writing the "big little" emotional moment on which stories often turn, and (3) whether you should write as if everyone you know is dead. Order Mark's…
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Episode 59: Scott Turow
My interview with Presumed Innocent author Scott Turow, on his latest novel, Presumed Guilty. Topics included, (1) The creative freedom that comes when authors realize they can't write like their heroes; (2) the advice Scott gave to Gillian Flynn, when she was on the rocket ship to literary fame,...
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Episode 58: Deborah Treisman
My conversation with The New Yorker fiction editor of 20+ years, Deborah Treisman. Topics included: the "egoless" midwifery of editing; common traits among the famous writers she's known (obsessiveness and dedication are hallmarks); and anecdotes of the late David Foster Wallace. Order Mark's…
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Episode 57: Stephen Mitchell
My discussion with one of the towering literary and spiritual writers of our time, translator Stephen Mitchell. We dug into his insights and process in a career translating everything from the Tao Te Ching to The Iliad to The Bible to the Bhagavad Gita. I've read more of Mitchell's words than any...
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Episode 56: Alan Lightman
My interview with Einstein's Dreams author Alan Lightman. His latest is The Miraculous From The Material, a beautiful book which pairs stunning nature photos with brief essays which explain the science behind everything from Saturn's rings to soap bubbles. Topics included (1) spirituality for the...
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Episode 55: Oliver Burkeman
My chat with New York Times-bestselling "recovering productivity geek" Oliver Burkeman, on how to re-program your brain so you can live a life of meaning. Topics included (1) finding self-worth outside of one's productivity output; (2) helpful ways to think about huge issues one can't control...
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Episode 54: Joe Moldover
With one of my oldest publishing friends, YA author Joe Moldover, discussing his latest novel Just Until. We unpacked: (1) writing about trauma, (2) whether you can really save another person, and (3), our most colorful insights re the publishing industry from a couple of young fellas just gettin...
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Episode 53: CJ Leede
My interview with CJ Leede on her latest freshy-fresh horror novel American Rapture. We got into (1) America's puritan resistance to/capitalist obsession with sex, (2) how to find your authentic writing voice/genre, and (3) rescue dogs! Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The...
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Episode 52: Jesmyn Ward
My glorious conversation with 2-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward, discussing her latest novel, Let Us Descend. Topics included: (1) gaining hope and strength by remembering what others have borne; (2) making invisible history visible; and (3) finding authorial authenticity through...
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Episode 51: Alison Espach
With Alison Espach, author of the instant bestseller The Wedding People. We discussed (1) her long, unpredictable process of writing her hilarious, absurdist mega-hit, (2) how writing a great book is often about letting characters just be honest and forcing them "stay in the room," and (3) truly...
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Episode 50: David Wroblewski
An inspiring conversation with two-time Oprah Book Club pick David Wroblewski. His first novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, was a #1 New York Times best-seller, and now, 16 years later, he's back with his second novel, Familiaris. We discussed (1) his writing process of overwriting, then pulling...
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Episode 49: T. J. Newman
A masterclass on thriller writing with bestselling phenom T. J. Newman, whose third novel Worst Case Scenario, follows the terrifying story of what happens when an airplane crashes into a nuclear power plant. We discussed (1) how to keep creative hope alive, and when to move on, (2) how writing...
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Episode 48: Mateo Askaripour
Pumping Literary Fire straight in ya veins on my latest with Mateo Askaripour, discussing his new one, This Great Hemisphere. Topics: (1) taking big risks after a bestseller (2) shaking up the publishing industry, and (3) helping people feel seen. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes...
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Episode 47: M.T. Anderson
With National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson, on his debut novel for adults, Nicked. We discussed: (1) the blurry boundary between YA/adult fiction, (2) the identity of his true intended audience, and (3) how great titles begin to tell the tale before you turn the first page. He also reads aloud...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Thoughtful Bro, hosted by Mark Cecil, is a podcast for writers, readers, and anyone interested in a tale well told. Each episode features an author who's recently published a book, and we unpack how and why they wrote it. It's "Inside the Actors Studio"...but for storytellers.
HOSTED BY
Mark Cecil
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Thoughtful Bro have?
The Thoughtful Bro currently has 97 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Thoughtful Bro about?
The Thoughtful Bro, hosted by Mark Cecil, is a podcast for writers, readers, and anyone interested in a tale well told. Each episode features an author who's recently published a book, and we unpack how and why they wrote it. It's "Inside the Actors Studio"...but for storytellers.
How often does The Thoughtful Bro release new episodes?
The Thoughtful Bro has 97 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Thoughtful Bro?
You can listen to The Thoughtful Bro on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Thoughtful Bro?
The Thoughtful Bro is created and hosted by Mark Cecil.
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