Some Things Considered with Sean Murphy

What happens when one of the most intellectually fearless writers working today sits down to talk about:* Dostoyevsky’s dialogic voice* Frankenstein as misunderstood creation myth* AI and the future of creativity* Illness as altered consciousness* Capitalism’s grip on media and academiaThis conversation moves from 19th-century Russia to present-day neural networks — but the real subject is this:What does it mean to remain human when machinery dominates the narrative?We talk about:• Writers who chase status vs. writers obsessed with the work• Why “students don’t read anymore” is lazy thinking• Why Frankenstein isn’t about a monster — it’s about responsibility• Why AI can replicate information but not vulnerability• Why empathy may be the last defensible human advantageLaurie’s work — from A Monster’s Notes to Cyborg Fever — doesn’t simplify consciousness. It stretches it.This episode is demanding. It’s ambitious. It’s not light fare.But it insists on something radical in 2026:Interior life still matters.MORE ABOUT LAURIE SHECKLaurie has written two hybrid fictions and five books of poems, one of which, The Willow Grove, was a finalist of the Pulitzer Prize. Her essays have appeared online in The Paris Review, Granta, and The Atlantic; she has been a Guggenheim Fellow, a Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard, and has twice been awarded fellowships from the NEA. She is also a recipient for a Creative Capital Award in 2023 and is currently a member of the core MFA Writing Faculty at the New School and lives in New York City.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriesheck/ Website: https://lauriesheck.com/ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Some Things Considered, I spoke with Walt Hunter — senior associate dean at Case Western Reserve University, professor of 20th- and 21st-century literature, poetry editor at The Atlantic, and author of the poetry collection Some Flowers.The conversation began with the Atlantic essay that prompted the invitation: “Stop Meeting Students Where They Are.”It’s a provocative title — but the thesis is bracing rather than punitive. Hunter argues that in an era defined by devices, distraction, AI, and cultural impatience, educators must resist the impulse to lower expectations in the name of accessibility. Instead of asking what students already consume, he asks what they might rise to.Sometimes “meeting students where they are” really means: don’t risk difficulty. Don’t demand depth. Don’t make anyone uncomfortable.We’re living in a moment of ambient anti-intellectualism — where if something doesn’t monetize, scale, or optimize, it’s treated as ornamental. The arts are expected to justify themselves in ways business or athletics never are.Walt’s pushback is simple but disruptive:Raise the bar.Don’t assume students can’t handle complexity. Don’t pre-digest poetry because you’re afraid they won’t “get it.” Don’t panic about AI before reconsidering whether your assignments are worth doing.If a student doesn’t understand calculus on the first day, we don’t scrap calculus. We teach it.Why do we treat poetry differently?The deeper issue isn’t devices. It’s belief.Belief that difficulty is formative.Belief that rigor is respect.Belief that students can rise.Poetry, Walt argues, is an analog act in a culture obsessed with optimization. It tracks what matters — not to improve our efficiency, but to deepen our humanity.MORE ABOUT WALT HUNTERWalt Hunter is senior associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences and a professor of 20th- and 21st-century literature in the department of English at Case Western Reserve University. Hunter is fiction and poetry editor for The Atlantic. In addition to two books of literary criticism, Hunter is also the author of a collection of poetry, Some Flowers.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/althunter/?hl=enWebsite: https://walthunter.com/ ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Some Things Considered, the conversation centers on icon, actor, performer, and now memoirist Gina Gershon — a career artist whose new book, Alpha Pussy, reflects on four decades in the entertainment industry and the life that shaped it.Rather than a conventional Hollywood tell-all, this book reveals something deeper: Gershon’s career has been defined as much by what she refused as by what she accepted.Key points in this conversation:* Autonomy is not rebellion for its own sake — it’s maintenance of self.* Longevity in creative fields requires boundaries.* Not every opportunity is worth taking.* Interesting people seek interesting environments.* Aging can amplify spirit rather than diminish it.* Storytelling is strongest when it’s honest without being exploitative.Gina’s career has been defined as much by the roles she didn’t take as the ones she did. That takes a particular kind of clarity — and a tolerance for risk. The industry rewards proximity to power. She prioritized proximity to self.We talked about artists who seem allergic to the path of least resistance — the Neil Youngs and Joni Mitchells of the world — creatives who would rather stay interesting than stay comfortable. Gina has that energy. Rebel and Girl Next Door. Old soul and downtown kid.Her early life reads almost like a lost film reel — youth, freedom, ambition, experimentation — but what carries through is balance. Fierce independence without bitterness. Humor without self-betrayal.And perhaps most refreshing: she doesn’t weaponize her stories. The memoir could have leaned into scandal. It doesn’t. She was too busy building a life to curate outrage.That feels radical right now.In an era when oversharing is currency and access is everything, autonomy still matters.The artists who last aren’t the loudest.They’re the ones who know exactly where to draw the line.MORE ABOUT GINA GERSHONGina has been starring on stage, screen, and television for over 40 years, known for her work in Cocktail, The Player, Showgirls, and the beloved sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm. She has recorded albums and toured, including performing at Carnegie Hall. She is now a published author with a must-read memoir Alpha Pussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love my Boobs.Instagram: ginagershon ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

On this week’s episode, I had a wide-ranging, bracing conversation with Stephen Marche on Some Things Considered—a writer I’ve admired since his Esquire days, and one whose work feels more urgent by the year.We focused on two recent books that feel both timely and enduring: The Next Civil War and On Writing and Failure.A few key threads from our conversation:* The Next Civil War now reads less like prophecy and more like reportage. What once felt foreboding increasingly feels like documentation.* What’s changed in America isn’t belief so much as amplification—fear and grievance supercharged by media, money, and political incentives.* Narrative matters more than facts. The stories a society accepts eventually become its reality.* Incoherence is not a weakness of extremist movements—it’s often part of the appeal. Hidden knowledge and insider logic create devotion.* Trump wasn’t an aberration so much as an apotheosis of forces long ignored.* Liberals and progressives continue to underestimate the power of story—and often lose not on policy, but on narrative.* On Writing and Failure is essential reading for writers: unsentimental, clarifying, and strangely encouraging.* All writers fail. Most writers struggle. The only variable that matters is perseverance.* “No whining” isn’t cruelty—it’s honesty.* We’re all writing in the aftermath of an industry that no longer exists, and pretending otherwise only leads to confusion and resentment.* Essays expire quickly; great stories and poems lodge themselves somewhere deeper and stay.Stephen doesn’t offer comfort. He offers clarity. Right now, that feels like a necessary gift.MORE ABOUT STEPHEN MARCHEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marche.stephen/Twitter: https://x.com/StephenMarcheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-marche-677b50145/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.marcheWebsite: https://www.stephenmarche.com/ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Had the pleasure of sitting down with John Lingan on Some Things Considered to talk about his new book, Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in 15 Drummers — and I can’t recommend it highly enough.A few highlights from our conversation:* Drummers are the perfect lens for understanding rock history: feel, time, culture, and collaboration all live at the kit.* John Bonham vs. Charlie Watts isn’t about better or worse — it’s about how radically different approaches shape a band’s identity.* Ringo Starr remains one of the most misunderstood musicians in rock history: subtle, musical, indispensable.* James Brown’s drummers, especially Clyde Stubblefield, changed music forever — while also exposing some of the industry’s deepest moral failures.* Unsung innovators like Moe Tucker expanded what rock music could sound like by breaking rules that didn’t need to exist.* Great drumming isn’t about flash; it’s about feel — sometimes the most restrained performances carry the most emotional weight.* Writing about music well means honoring mystery while still making craft accessible and joyful.Backbeats isn’t just about drummers. It’s about rhythm as storytelling — and how music history is built, one beat at a time.MORE ABOUT JOHN LINGANInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_lingan/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johnlingan.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlingan/Website: https://www.johnlingan.com/ ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s episode features writer and teacher Shane Hinton, author of Pinkies, Radio Dark, Other Shane Hintons, and editor of We Can’t Help It If We’re From Florida. His work blends the absurd, the uncanny, and the deeply human—often with Florida as both setting and state of mind.We dove into two big threads: his fantastic Lit Hub essay “Why I Give My Books Away for Free” and the larger questions that essay raises about art, money, and the changing literary landscape.Shane’s Lit Hub piece struck a chord because it articulates something many writers feel but rarely say out loud. He talked about:* wanting to connect rather than transact* realizing most readers struggle to keep up with the sheer amount of new work* generosity as a meaningful (and honest) form of outreach* measuring impact through engagement, not salesWe moved into the broader implications of Shane’s philosophy and what it says about the industry right now. A few themes:* there’s more content than ever, but not more readers* making a living from literary fiction is harder than ever* creatives now need comfort with marketing, social media, and guerrilla outreach* writers often feel torn between authenticity and self-promotion* the traditional routes to a writing career are shrinkingShane teaches, which adds another layer to this discussion. He reflected on:* how writing classrooms have changed* students’ realistic (and sometimes sobering) expectations* why MFA programs must begin addressing economic realities* how to balance craft, hope, and honesty* teaching students to build community—not just manuscriptsHis perspective: these conversations aren’t optional anymore; they’re ethical.Shane, in sum, epitomizes how to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing (and, often, super challenging) literary industry, and I hope you find his example inspiring!Shane is the author of three books: Pinkies (2015), Radio Dark (2019) and Other Shane Hintons, and is the editor of the anthology We Can’t Help It If We’re From Florida (2017). His work has been published in literary magazines and exhibited at national and international conferences. His work focuses on the absurd and the horrific in contemporary society. He often writes about Florida and is an active member of the local literary community.MORE ABOUT SHANE HINTONLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shanehinton/Website: ut.edu/directory/hinton-shane-rABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Some Things Considered, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sara Stibitz—NYT-bestselling collaborative writer, author of Writing on Purpose, and creator of the Substack A Ladder to the Stars—about creativity, narrative, and how story shapes everything we do. We went deep and wide, and some of the highlights include:* Sara’s relationship to story:Why storytelling is central to human meaning, healing, and creative practice.* A Ladder to the Stars:Helping writers navigate craft, publishing, emotional resilience, and building a sustainable creative life.* Creativity as connection:Why Sara rejects the isolated “lone genius” model and embraces community, teaching, and collaboration.* “What’s Your Favorite Story Really Selling You?”Her essay on how stories bypass our defenses, sell identities, and shape behavior—whether in art, marketing, or politics.* Story as persuasion:Apple and Nike as master storytellers; no such thing as neutral narrative; all stories have intentions.* Politics as storytelling:Campaigns run on narratives, not policy papers; the immigrant as threat vs. dreamer; how story shapes interpretation of facts.* Why Democrats struggle with narrative:Lack of clarity, emotion, and message discipline compared to the GOP’s storytelling instincts.* “Refusing to niche down”:Sara’s stance against creative confinement; embracing curiosity and multi-genre exploration.* Making a creative life sustainable:Money, balance, boundaries, and the realities of getting paid as a writer.* AI & the content flood:It’s easier than ever to create content, harder than ever to stand out; humans win through voice, depth, insight, and intention.Sara is a New York Times bestselling collaborative writer and coach. Many of her clients’ books have won awards from Nautilus, Bloomsbury, Axiom, Reviewers Choice, Indie Excellence, and Independent Press. Her book Writing on Purpose: An Essential Guide to Writing a Book That Matters published earlier in 2025—and her Substack A LADDER TO THE STARS is an invaluable point of reference for anyone who writes.MORE ABOUT SARA STIBITZInstagram: Sara Stibitz LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarastibitzFacebook: facebook.com/sara.stibitzWebsite: sarastibitz.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk with journalist and author Chris Colin, whose work in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and the WSJ explores the strange, frustrating, and revealing corners of modern life. We cover some of his recent journalism–and the experiences that inspired them, as well as the contemporary state of all-things literary. Some key takeaways include:* His New York Times story “You’re Going to Lose Your Mind’: My Three-Day Retreat in Total Darkness.”How Chris ended up in a three-day total-darkness retreat; what happens to the mind without stimulus; fear, boredom, insight, and why the piece went viral.* Sensory deprivation & anxiety:Sean reflects on his own float-tank experiences and how quickly the mind resists stillness.* His remarkable essay “Sludge,” from The Atlantic. The argument that long holds, dropped calls, and customer-service nightmares are intentional—designed to exhaust us into compliance.* Customers → shareholders:How corporate incentives shifted, eroding loyalty and degrading everyday life; the political and cultural consequences of institutional distrust.* Apathy as design:Engineered exhaustion leads to resignation, which opens the door to authoritarian tendencies.* The impetus of his brilliant piece from the Wall Street Journal, “How To Turn the Bureaucratic Grind of Life Into a Party.”Chris’s manifesto-like piece about turning administrative drudgery into a communal event—and why connection and shared suffering matter.* Dystopian overlap:How 1984, Brave New World, and Kafka all apply to our current bureaucratic, automated, profit-driven world.* Storytelling & power:Why corporations tell better stories than the people they burden—and how better narratives can expose the real “us vs. them.”Chris, needless to say, is a writer you’ll be smarter and happier having read. I hope this conversation turns you onto his work, and you help spread the word!Chris Colin’s work has appeared in the Atlantic, the New York Times Magazine, and “Best American Science and Nature Writing.” He has written about billionaires, rivers, rent-a-friends, endangered noodles, solitary confinement and much more, including several books, including What To Talk About, and Off: The Day the Internet Died: A Bedtime Fantasy. He lives in San Francisco.MORE ABOUT CHRIS COLINInstagram: @chriscolin3000Bluesky: @chriscolin3000.bsky.socialWebsite: chriscolin.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

This episode of Some Things Considered features the always-brilliant Jenna Blum, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of Those Who Save Us, The Stormchasers, The Lost Family, Woodrow on the Bench, and her forthcoming psychological thriller Murder Your Darlings (out January 2026).It’s a wide-ranging, candid conversation about writing across genres, the realities of literary success, and what it really means to build a sustainable creative life.Murder Your Darlings & Genre Shifts* Jenna’s first psychological thriller* Why she chose to tackle the genre now* Writing across historical fiction, memoir, contemporary fiction, and thriller* Following curiosity over market expectations* Using genre shifts as creative challenges(No spoilers — you’ll have to read the book.)Success, Industry & Change* Life as a New York Times bestseller — inspiration and envy* How publishing and promotion have changed since the early 2000s* The impact of social media on writers and careersAudience, Promotion & Showing Up* Jenna’s genuine love of touring, events, and reader engagement* Rewriting the rules early on for building an audience* Being present online and on the road — without losing balance* Letting go of what writers can’t controlCommunity, Teaching & A Mighty Blaze* The ongoing work behind A Mighty Blaze* Why literary community matters (including micro-communities)* How Jenna’s approach to teaching has evolved over the past decadeI hope this episode will encourage you to not only buy Jenna’s book, but get one for a friend, spread the word, and explore the remarkable work she’s been doing. I celebrate Jenna as the ideal literary citizen and a ceaseless source of knowledge and inspiration!ABOUT JENNA BLUMInstagram: @jenna_blumX: @Jenna_BlumFacebook: facebook.com/JennaBlumAuthorTikTok: @jennablumauthorWebsite: jennablum.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I speak with award-winning author and Johns Hopkins writing professor Tim Wendel, whose books include Summer of ’68, Castro’s Curveball, Cancer Crossings, and his newest novel Rebel Falls. Tim is productive, well-read, and well-traveled, so our conversation inexorably covered a great deal of ground, and some topics include:* Baseball & storytelling: How the game shaped Tim’s life as a writer; the mythology of Bull Durham; the legend of Steve Dalkowski.* Substack & citizen historians: Why Tim believes everyday people must help preserve historical truth, especially amid 2025’s wave of historical erasure.* History as many stories: Why the meaning of history changes depending on who tells it—and why authoritarian regimes always try to control the narrative.* Travel as antidote to prejudice: In the spirit of Mark Twain, how Tim’s global reporting career shaped his worldview and fuels empathy.* Censorship & cultural retreat: The rise of anti-Humanities rhetoric, the danger of “whitewashing” civil rights history, and why cultural amnesia is alarming.* Artists and athletes as change agents: Jackie Robinson, jazz musicians, and others who changed America while facing enormous resistance.* Teaching writing today: Tim’s advice to students, the challenges and opportunities of AI, and why craft still matters.I hope you find Tim as refreshing and informative as I do: he’s versatile, curious, and passionate–and cares deeply about why stories matter, and how to tell them.Tim Wendel’s books include SUMMER OF ‘68, CASTRO’S CURVEBALL, CANCER CROSSINGS and other works. His latest, the historical novel REBEL FALLS, won the W.Y. Boyd Award from the American Library Association. A longtime writer-in-residence at Johns Hopkins University, his stories and columns have appeared in Esquire, GQ, Gargoyle, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology Today and National Geographic.ABOUT TIM WENDELInstagram: @timlwendelLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tim-wendel-39973Facebook: facebook.com/TimWendelBooksWebsite: timwendel.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I speak with Stephanie Shepard, Executive Director of Last Prisoner Project. She was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a first-time, nonviolent cannabis offense and now leads the Last Prisoner Project (LPP). Her story—and her advocacy—reveals the human cost of the War on Drugs and the urgent need for restorative justice. Some key takeaways from our conversation include:* Stephanie’s story: From her 2010 conviction and nine-year sentence to becoming Executive Director of LPP.* What LPP does: Freeing cannabis prisoners, record clearance, reentry support, and policy reform.* Breaking myths: The legacy of “Just Say No,” drug panic politics, and bipartisan failures from Nixon to Clinton.* Narrative & policy: How storytelling shifts public perception and drives real legislative change.* Where we are now: Cannabis tolerated or legal while people remain imprisoned; opioid crisis reframes priorities.* Human impact: Individual cases showing how lives are disrupted—and rebuilt—through LPP’s work.* Mobilizing advocates: How people affected by incarceration become powerful voices for reform.* LPP’s current battles: Clemency, resentencing, expungement, and federal reform.* Goals ahead: Expanding services, increasing national awareness, and pushing comprehensive drug reform.* What everyone should know: Drug policy is political—not scientific—and justice requires empathy and action.I’m so grateful for, and inspired by this conversation. I encourage everyone to listen and share, and get involved: spreading the word and supporting justice for all Americans is an essential act not only for activists, but patriots.Stephanie was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana in 2010. As a first-time, non-violent offender, Stephanie was sentenced to ten years in the Federal Bureau Of Prisons. After serving nine years, she was placed on federal probation for an additional five years.She now serves as Last Prisoner Project’s Executive Director and sits on the organization’s Board of Directors. She is adamantly advocating for restorative justice for those who have suffered as she has from the criminalization of cannabis.ABOUT STEPHANIE SHEPARDInstagram: @lastprisonerproject @stephy_shepsX: @lastprisonerprjFacebook: facebook.com/lastprisonerprojectWebsite: lastprisonerproject.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/lastprisonerprojectABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveX: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Some Things Considered returns with our fifth season, and we could not be more excited. Episode One features Matthew Davis, with whom I speak about his new book Biography of a Mountain, an in-depth examination of Mt. Rushmore as both a monument and a metaphor for America. Drawing on years of research and personal engagement with the Black Hills, Davis unpacks the layered histories, mythologies, and political tensions embedded in this iconic site.We cover a ton of ground, and highlights include:* Why Mt. Rushmore: How Davis realized this was the book he needed to write — and why the mountain mirrors the American story.* Many Americas: Mt. Rushmore as a metaphor for the evolving, often conflicting visions of what “America” means.* Native history: The mountain’s sacred role long before white settlement, and how Indigenous perspectives were erased or overwritten.* Power & narrative: Who tells America’s story? Who benefits? Why monuments become battlegrounds.* Gutzon Borglum: The ambition, ego, and controversy surrounding the monument’s creator — including his troubling political ties.* Author in the narrative: Why Davis chose to include his own journey, and how personal context strengthens historical storytelling.* The paradox of monuments: How the same statue symbolizes pride to some and oppression to others — and what that reveals about American identity.* Relevance in 2025: How Davis’s research unexpectedly speaks to today’s political climate and the weaponization of history.* Trump, Reagan, and symbolism: The modern fight over commemoration, legacy, and political mythmaking.* What the mountain teaches us: Reflections on history, country, culture, and narrative itself.It’s always a pleasure to speak with Matt, whom I consider a good friend, colleague, and source of inspiration. His book could hardly be more timely–and it adds valuable insights for an America that, in 2025, is as complicated and bifurcated as ever.Matthew Davis is the author of When Things Get Dark: A Mongolian Winter’s Tale. His work has appeared in the New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Review of Books and Guernica, among other places. He has been an Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fellow at New America, a Fellow at the Black Mountain Institute at UNLV, and a Fulbright Fellow to Syria and Jordan. He holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from the University of Iowa and an MA in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Davis lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife, a diplomat, and their two young kids.ABOUT MATT DAVISWebsite: matthewdaviswriter.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

What is the role of literary fiction in 2025? Is it simply escapism, or is it something deeper — a mirror to the world we inhabit, a lens on its inequities, contradictions, and quiet truths? In my latest episode of Some Things Considered, I spoke with Karen E. Bender, National Book Award finalist and author of The Words of Dr. L, to explore these questions.Karen’s new collection is a meditation on our times. Her stories navigate the uneasy space between overt political urgency and narrative subtlety, achieving what only the most mature and authoritative fiction can: illuminating society without sacrificing character or craft. We talked about how her stories came together, the delicate process of unifying disparate pieces into a cohesive collection, and how she chooses between writing short fiction or novels.We also discussed the realities of the literary ecosystem today. Universities and festivals that once nurtured writers are under threat — including the recent cancellation of the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, a hub of creative excellence for decades. Karen reflected on the growing importance of nonprofits, activism, and community support to sustain writers and their work in challenging times.Throughout our conversation, one thing became clear: literary fiction matters now more than ever. It helps us reflect, empathize, and engage with our world in ways that journalism, social media, or fleeting news cycles cannot. Karen’s insights remind us that stories are not just entertainment — they are essential.ABOUT KAREN E. BENDER Website: karenebender.comFacebook: facebook.com/KarenEBenderBooksABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Some Things Considered, I’m joined by Caroline Bock and Jona Colson, co-presidents of Washington Writers’ Publishing House. They are two of my favorite DC-area writers and advocates, but today we gather to discuss–and celebrate–the publication of a brand new anthology “America’s Future: poetry & prose in response to tomorrow.” Caroline is the author of the story collection “Carry Her Home” and Jona’s poetry collection “Said Through Glass” (both published in 2018). Washington Writers’ Publishing House is the longest, continuously operating nonprofit, cooperative, literary organization in the United States. Established in 1975 in our nation’s capital, we have published over 100 volumes of poetry as well in more recent years fiction and nonfiction.We discuss:* The conception and labor of love that culminated in this anthology.* The role of community, both local and global, to curate and publish writers.* Why this collection coincides with the 50th anniversary of WWPH’s founding.* The intersections of writing, teaching, editing, and organizing.* How the written word can–and must–speak to today’s sociopolitical confusion and turmoil.* Jona and Caroline also read their pieces from the new collection.These two literary citizens have established themselves as vital and indispensable forces not only for DC-Metro artistic community, but are working to publish and promote inclusive, relevant writing to showcase why creativity and story matter most of all during uncertain times.ABOUT CAROLINE BOCKInstagram: @carolinebockauthorTwitter/X: @cabockwrites Website: carolinebockofficialauthorsite.wordpress.comABOUT JONA COLSONInstagram: @jonacolsonpoetFacebook: facebook.com/jonacolsonpoetLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonacolsonpoetWebsite: https://jonacolson.comABOUT WASHINGTON WRITERS’ PUBLISHING HOUSE Instagram: @writingfromwwphFacebook: facebook.com/WashingtonWritersPublishingHouseTwitter/X: @WWPHPressWebsite: washingtonwriters.orgABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Some Things Considered, I sit down with Karen Eber — TED speaker, award-winning author of The Perfect Story, and former Fortune 500 executive whose talks have reached millions worldwide. Karen specializes in the science and skill of storytelling, helping leaders and creatives alike use stories to inform, influence, and inspire.The conversation explores:* The science of storytelling: what happens in the brain when a story works, and why humans are wired to connect through narrative.* What makes a story succeed—or fail: common pitfalls and how to avoid them.* Trust and connection: how storytellers can build authenticity and credibility with their audiences.* Inherited stories and bias: recognizing how cultural, familial, and corporate narratives shape our beliefs and choices.* Choosing which story to tell: balancing timeless themes with timely resonance.* Introverts as storytellers: why some of the best storytellers aren’t the loudest voices in the room.* Story in leadership and business: from media to the courtroom to the boardroom, the most effective leaders leverage story to motivate and inspire.* Data storytelling: transforming raw information into narratives that resonate and drive action.* Storytelling in the age of AI and misinformation: why the best defense against “bad stories” and fake narratives is to tell better ones.This episode offers both practical insights and big-picture reflections on how stories shape our lives, our decisions, and our culture.ABOUT KAREN EBERInstagram: @kareneber1Twitter: @KarenEber1LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kareneberWebsite: kareneber.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Cooper Ellison—author, speaker, trauma-informed writing coach, and host of Writing Your Resilience. Lisa works at the intersection of storytelling and healing, using her personal experiences and clinical training to help writers transform difficult life events into meaningful art. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, Risk!, and more. She recently completed her memoir Please Stage Dive Carefully: How I Survived My Brother’s Suicide and Forgave Myself.Our conversation explores:* The multiple hats every modern writer must wear: creator, promoter, brand-builder, and, most importantly, healthy human.* Why curiosity, empathy, and vulnerability are essential to creativity—and how to cultivate them without burning out.* What it means to “gaslight-proof” your writing practice and set healthy boundaries.* How to share your story in an era of oversharing and constant brand-building.* The intersection of trauma and art, and how to transform pain into powerful creative work.* Lessons Lisa has learned as a podcaster—from preparation to professionalism—that can serve as a blueprint for others.* Practices and mindsets that make for a rewarding creative process, including pushing past comfort zones.* The evolving meaning of “literary citizenship” and why it matters for writers today.This is part craft talk, part creative therapy session, and part masterclass in how to live a sustainable creative life.ABOUT LISA COOPER ELLISONInstagram: @lisacooperellisonTwitter: @LisaEllisonsPenFacebook: facebook.com/lisacooperellisonWebsite: lisacooperellison.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

In this wide-ranging, high-energy conversation, I’m overjoyed to connect with old pal Whitney Matheson—one of the most important and beloved pop culture writers of the past 25 years. Best known as the creator of Pop Candy, the groundbreaking USA Today blog that ran from 1999–2014, Whitney has built a career out of curiosity, enthusiasm, and the art of connecting people to the culture they love. Today she’s busier than ever with her Substack newsletter Hi, It’s Whitney, as well as short fiction, comics, and other creative projects.We cover a lot of ground, digging into her career trajectory, which doubles as a case study in the shifting fortunes of journalism, culture writing, and the arts in an era of technological disruption, late-stage capitalism, and diminishing opportunities for creatives. We discuss how writers and artists must adapt to survive, and how Whitney has continually reinvented herself without losing her distinctive voice. She has evolved, but she has also, miraculously, expanded.Our conversation touches on:* The unique talent—and discipline—required to stay plugged into cultural trends while connecting them to the past and presenting them with infectious enthusiasm.* How Whitney moves between different forms—short fiction, comics, culture criticism—and the different creative “head spaces” each demands.* The role of “literary citizenship” and how championing the work of others strengthens the entire creative ecosystem.* Why building and sustaining community is essential for creative resilience.* The state of the humanities, the arts, and cultural criticism in today’s politically charged environment.* Whitney’s take on AI: less concerned about its impact on creative expression, more worried about its wider societal consequences.* The increasingly blurred lines between art, politics, and cultural engagement, and why creatives can no longer afford to be apolitical.More than a profile of Whitney’s career, this episode is a candid meditation on resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of sharing what inspires you. Whether through a blog, a comic strip, or a newsletter, Whitney Matheson continues to embody the joy of discovery and the importance of connecting with an audience who cares.Subscribe to Whitney here on Substack:ABOUT WHITNEY MATHESONInstagram: @thewhitneymathesonTwitter: @whitneymathesonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/whitneymathesonFacebook: Whitney MathesonWebsite: whitneymatheson.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Some Things Considered I’m joined by Robert Rodriguez—award-winning author, creator of the Something About the Beatles podcast, and one of the most prolific and insightful chroniclers of the Fab Four and their cultural universe.Robert has written or contributed to more than a dozen books, including Solo in the '70s, The Beatles FAQ series, and the critically acclaimed Revolver: How the Beatles Reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roll. He’s also one of the most trusted voices in Beatles fandom, consistently bridging rigorous scholarship with genuine fan enthusiasm. More, he is a community builder, advocate for storytelling of all kinds, and an industry veteran who has successfully navigated a ceaselessly changing media landscape.In this conversation, we cover:* The arc of Robert’s creative career — from early fandom to world-class Beatles authority* How to build a career by going deep, not wide — carving out your lane with focus and integrity* Why community matters — especially for creatives, superfans, and storytellers* The evolution of publishing and platforming — from print to podcasts to social media* The Beatles as a case study in infinite curiosity — why their story never gets old* The challenges and joys of podcasting & self-promotion* What AI and the modern internet mean for researchers and writers* Advice for new authors and cultural critics — and how the SOP has changed* Fan culture, obsession, and the legacy of deep-dive storytellingRobert’s trajectory is a case study of sorts for 21st-century creative success: part old-school passion, part modern hustle, and 100% dedication to the story. If you’re interested in writing, music, media, or the long tail of fandom, this episode will resonate.ABOUT ROBERT RODRIGUEZApple Podcasts: Something About The BeatlesTwitter: @satbshowInstagram: @somethingaboutthebeatles1964Facebook: Something About The BeatlesWebsite: somethingaboutthebeatles.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

What does it really take to break through the noise and get your book noticed?In this episode, I talk with Leah Paulos, founder of Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School. With 25+ years in the literary publicity world, Leah has worked on campaigns for authors like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John Lewis, and Neil deGrasse Tyson — and now she’s using that experience to demystify the PR process for authors of all stripes.We discuss:* Why standing out in today’s media landscape is harder than ever* The biggest myths authors believe about publicity* What publishers actually do — and what they don’t* Why early prep is essential (and how to start)* The power of small podcasts, niche influencers, and digital storytelling* How authenticity and integrity are the new currency in publicity* Why she’s committed to offering more affordable PR options for emerging writersWhether you're traditionally published or indie, debut or veteran, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and honest insights from one of the best in the business.ABOUT LEAH PAULOSWebsite: pressshoppr.comTwitter (X): @pressshopprLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahpaulosFacebook: @PressShopPRABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today on STC, I’m joined by someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with (and learning from) for years: Gregg Wilhelm, Director of Mason Creative Writing, co-founder of Watershed Lit, and long-time literary advocate and publishing pro. Gregg’s experience spans every corner of the literary world—from launching presses to running CityLit, mentoring students, and staying in the fray as the arts face new pressures and provocations.In this conversation, we go deep on:* The state of MFA programs and the future of English majors* Why fewer students are reading (and how to bring them back)* The collapse of public arts funding and what can (or can’t) replace it* How to maintain faith and focus when AI, apathy, and anti-humanities sentiment threaten to flatten everything we care about* The power of literary citizenship—not just as a concept, but as a lifeline for community and creative survivalI’ve always admired Gregg for his tireless advocacy, his unshakable belief in writers and teachers, and his realism that never tips into resignation. He’s someone who doesn’t just talk about “resistance,” he builds platforms, creates programs, and helps train the next generation of literary citizens.This episode is especially relevant for:* Writing students and aspiring educators* Anyone navigating the literary world post-Covid / mid-AI* Advocates trying to make sense of a shrinking public square for the arts* Listeners who want to be reminded why stories still matter—and how we can keep telling them, even nowIf you dig it, please share with a teacher, student, or friend trying to do the good work.ABOUT GREGG WILHELMInstagram: @greggwilhelmFacebook: Gregg WilhelmLinkedIn: Gregg WilhelmWebsite: greggwilhelm.comCityLit Project: @citylitprojectABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is the acclaimed Ethiopian American novelist and writer Dinaw Mengestu, whose award-winning work has appeared in Harper’s Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and many other outlets. He currently directs the Written Arts program at Bard College and has been recognized as a MacArthur Fellow among numerous other honors.I first encountered Dinaw at a recent event hosted by George Mason’s Cheuse Center—shout out to my alma mater!—where his insights lingered long after the talk. His artistry is compelling, but I was especially drawn to his reflections on two urgent themes: masculinity and immigration, and their intersection with art and politics in 2025.We began by grappling with a pressing question: What use is art, especially novels, in an increasingly authoritarian climate? For me, the answer is clear—art becomes more vital than ever as a means to challenge, to bear witness, and to connect.Dinaw’s work offers a nuanced exploration of human relationships and identity that transcends national boundaries. Where American novels often fixate on the nation, his stories probe the fragile balances that shape all our lives. In particular, we talked about how immigration narratives are not just political flashpoints but deeply human stories filled with complexity, survival, and sometimes silence.His novel Someone Like Us exemplifies this approach, revealing how immigrant lives are collections of stories—some fabricated for survival, some never told—that demand empathy and deeper understanding.We also tackled masculinity, a loaded and often misunderstood topic. Dinaw shared his views on male anger and violence as social constructs, shaped by cultural narratives that influence how identity and behavior are formed—and how those narratives show up in both fiction and media.In this, our conversation circled back to the power of storytelling itself: how art can push back against reductive or toxic narratives by offering more authentic, nuanced perspectives. This is, I argued, a crucial form of resistance and a pathway to more peaceful social discourse.We also touched on the challenges of engaging younger generations, especially in a world where reading is often seen as less appealing. Dinaw and I agreed on the importance of meeting readers where they are, connecting through culture and technology, and gently drawing them into the broader world of literature.This wide-ranging conversation offers a lot for anyone interested in how art, identity, and politics intersect today—and why stories matter more than ever.ABOUT DINAW MENGESTUFacebook: Dinaw MengestuX (formerly Twitter): @dinawmengestuInstagram: @dinaw_mengestuABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I was delighted to be joined by Emma Sarappo, senior associate editor at The Atlantic, where she writes and commissions coverage on books, poetry, and literary culture. Formerly the arts editor at Washington City Paper, Emma’s work has also appeared in Preservation, Pacific Standard, Washingtonian, The Bitter Southerner, and beyond.In other words: she’s the real deal, and she’s got the literary chops to prove it.In this wide-ranging and lively conversation, we dug into everything from The Atlantic's ambitious recent packages on The Best American Novels of the 20th Century and The Best American Poetry of the 21st Century, to the state of critical discourse, comics, canons, and the eternal (and eternally tricky) question: what makes a work “great”?Topics We Covered* The process behind curating landmark literary lists for The Atlantic* How lists can fuel discovery, conversation, and canon expansion* Why list-making is both a celebration and a provocation* Which classic (and obscure) American novels Emma is willing to throw down for* What poetry can do in an era of fractured attention and endless noise* Underground comics and their critical future* How to respond to the common complaint: “young people don’t read anymore”Favorite Moments & TakeawaysEmma reminded me that serious criticism isn’t about gatekeeping; it’s about stewardship. It’s about introducing work to new audiences, reintroducing overlooked gems, and advocating for voices who deserve more space in the conversation.We also talked about how poetry might just be the perfect literary form for 2025—compressed, emotional, deeply portable, and ideal for those of us trying to carve clarity out of chaos.If you’re a writer, teacher, editor, or simply a passionate reader, this is an episode that will feed your curiosity and remind you why we keep returning to stories—even when the world seems hellbent on scrolling past them.Thanks, as ever, for listening and supporting STC. More conversations soon.ABOUT EMMA SARAPPOPersonal Website: emmasarappo.comLinkedIn: Emma SarappoBluesky: @emmasarappo.bsky.socialInstagram: @emmasarappoABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back. And I can’t think of a better or more necessary guest to kick off Season 4 of STC than the poet Richard Blanco.If you’ve been reading or listening to me for any length of time, you know I believe in the power of storytelling—not only to entertain or inspire, but to bear witness, raise the stakes, and push the culture forward. That’s why this conversation means so much to me, and why I hope you’ll make time for it.Richard Blanco was selected by President Obama as the fifth inaugural poet in U.S. history—the youngest, the first Latinx, the first openly gay person, and the first immigrant to serve in that role. Last year, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Biden. In addition to being a deeply gifted writer and public intellectual, he’s also an educator, an advocate, and one of the most thoughtful people I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with.We cover a lot in this episode. Art and activism, yes—but also attention and agency. We talk about the challenges of writing political poetry that is also beautiful, personal, and true. We talk about the pressure of platform, what it means to have a public voice in a fractured nation, and how to resist despair in a time when cruelty and confusion seem to have the upper hand.Among the many gems:* How to avoid cynicism by doubling down on your humanity* What James Baldwin meant when he said “The role of the artist is the same as the role of the lover…”* Why poetry, more than ever, is the form we need now* The moral weight and potential of witness in the 21st centuryWe also talk craft, classroom dynamics, and why a poem can sometimes reach people in ways even the best essay or op-ed can’t. Richard shares insights into his own process and reads from How to Love a Country and Homeland of My Body, two collections I consider essential texts for this moment.And yes—we talk about AI, the future of storytelling, and why it’s no coincidence that art comes under attack when authoritarianism gains traction.A Personal NoteIt’s hard not to feel overwhelmed right now. The headlines. The feed. The rising tide of bad faith and short attention spans. I sometimes wonder if art can still matter in the face of so much noise and nihilism.This conversation reminded me that the answer is: yes, it can—and it must.ABOUT RICHARD BLANCOInstagram: @poetrichardblanco Facebook: Richard Blanco PoetryX (formerly Twitter): @rblancopoetWebsite: richard-blanco.com ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3 of Some Things Considered wrapped up a remarkable run that continued to peel back the layers of how creativity works—from the personal routines and philosophies of master storytellers to the broader cultural currents shaping art and expression in America today.Hosted by award-winning author and cultural critic Sean Murphy, Some Things Considered remained a weekly podcast and Substack newsletter that went deep with creative minds across literature, music, art, politics, and tech. These weren’t just interviews—they were immersive conversations about what drives creativity, why story matters, and how our most inspired thinkers turn vision into impact.This past season, Sean dove deeper into the currents shaping our creative, cultural, and political landscapes with a fresh lineup of writers, thinkers, musicians, critics, and change-makers.* From the dystopian rise of tech oligarchs to the future of political messaging, investigative journalist Jacob Silverman opens the season with a wide-ranging conversation on the post-2024 election climate, the influence of crypto billionaires, and why Democrats keep missing the messaging memo.* Legendary jazz pianist and thinker Matthew Shipp explores authenticity, artistic integrity, and how NYC’s underground scene shaped a generation of innovators. This episode is a masterclass in how to live—and think—creatively.* Ed Simon, English professor and Belt Magazine editor, unpacks the myth of the Great American Novel and how literature continues to challenge, reflect, and reshape American democracy.* Cultural critic and iconoclast Jessa Crispin holds nothing back, tackling class, feminism, media, and the uneasy politics of visibility in a chaotic age. It's a sharp, insightful look at narrative power and building meaningful communities.* Leeya Mehta and Bill Miller reflect on a decade of the Alan Cheuse International Writers Center, the role of the literary arts in global dialogue, and why nurturing creativity matters now more than ever.* Jason Zinoman, NYT critic and comedy chronicler, joins to unpack how self-promotion is reshaping art itself—and how comedians are navigating the increasingly blurred line between craft and content.* Will Boast digs into literary indigestion—literally—with a brilliant discussion on bodily woes, con artists, and the literary roots of discomfort. It’s funny, unsettling, and deeply researched.* Ryan Flahive, host of Climate Changers, offers a timely reflection on climate storytelling, narrative-driven activism, and the challenges of making meaning in a media-saturated world.* Dr. Shawn DuBravac, economist and futurist, closes the season with a big-picture look at how emerging tech—AI in particular—is reshaping our future. He breaks down complex ideas with clarity and heart.* Paula Whyman, author and naturalist, shares the personal and political layers of her new memoir—an immersive journey through nature, identity, and belonging. She reflects on writing, teaching, and the solace found in wild places.Season 3 showed just how much story matters—and how much there is still to explore.If you enjoyed the show, I hope you’ll stick around: Some Things Considered is ready to roll out Season 4 next week, starting Tuesday, July 22nd. See you then!Listen and subscribe at seanmurphy.live. Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Paula Whyman, author of the collection You May See a Stranger, which received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. Her new book Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop is a blend of memoir, natural history, and conservation science. Her writing has appeared in myriad outlets, and she was co-founder and editor in chief of the literary journal Scoundrel Time. Paula and I discuss the story behind the story of her new memoir, and her real time training as a contemporary naturalist. Her book, filled with vivid descriptions of plants, insects, and one woman’s battle/love affair with seemingly everything that grows, flies, lives, and dies, is highly recommended, perhaps especially for anyone looking for a positive distraction from the chaotic “inner space” of today’s sociopolitical reality. I learned a great deal about everything from invasive species to non-native plants, all of which seem to mirror present discussions about immigration, identity, and ownership. Paula is not only a wonderful writer, but patient and passionate tour guide, and her words will resonate with outdoor enthusiasts and those with less green thumbs. We also talked about craft, teaching, the rewards and burdens of running a literary magazine, the solace of nature and the inspiration of one’s imagination. Inevitably, we also touched on the importance of community and the responsibility of being a good literary citizen.ABOUT PAULA WHYMANLearn more about Paula’s work at https://paulawhyman.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is my longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Shawn DuBravac. Shawn is author of the New York Times bestseller Digital Destiny: How the New Age of Data Will Transform the Way We Work, Live, and Communicate. An economist, futurist, tech analyst, and public speaker, Shawn has always been my go-to guy when I want to better understand emerging technologies, or make necessary connections between what’s happening today to understand—and predict—what might happen tomorrow. Shawn is one of the most intelligent, curious, and charismatic people I know, and I’ve seldom encountered anyone who can talk effortlessly about complex issues in such a conversational, accessible way. This, of course, is a tremendous skill, and Shawn has been polishing his portfolio for decades. We, inevitably, get into the implications of AI, why our culture typically fears new innovations before embracing them, and how technology will impact everything from the classroom to the creative world. If you are really into tech or if you are looking for someone who can help make sense of a world that is quite literally changing, fast, each day, I can’t recommend anyone more highly than Dr. DuBravac!ABOUT SHAWN DUBRAVACLearn more about Shawn DuBravac at https://shawndubravac.comTwitter: @shawndubravacABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Ryan Flahive, an entrepreneur, podcaster, and Learning Technology & Publishing Executive with deep experience in higher education, workforce development, and social impact. He is currently producer and host of CLIMATE CHANGERS, a podcast featuring interviews with scientists, activists, and other leaders. Ryan, and this conversation scarcely scratches the surface, has a long, varied, successful career, and he’s the rare individual who combines passion with expertise, and success has followed him from adventure to adventure. We talked about his amazing work and mission, as well as the necessity of wearing many hats in the creative realm. Ryan, like most influencers, wears multiple hats, and shares with me a conviction that effective narrative is the essential ingredient to telling good stories. We get into the nitty gritty of what makes for meaningful activism, and how spreading awareness about the climate is particularly challenging since there’s well-funded players trying 24/7 to remove all considerations that impact profits. Ryan frankly discusses the challenges, rewards, and opportunities of his work, and his belief in community building is profoundly inspiring. Whether you’re a writer, a non-profit employee, or entrepreneur, Ryan is an invaluable guide.ABOUT RYAN FLAHIVELearn more about Ryan at https://ryanflahive.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Will Boast, author of a story collection, Power Ballads, a memoir, Epilogue, and a novel, Daphne. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic, and The Guardian, among others. I love Will’s writing and was truly blown away by his recent piece in the Virginia Quarterly Review, “From the Gut: A Literary History of Indigestion.” This is long-form journalism at its best: informative, deeply researched, often amusing, at times disturbing, and a reminder that so many human beings, including beloved authors ranging from Voltaire to Twain, Kafka and Beckett, have all had tummy issues. As a fellow author who can’t boast of having a stomach of steel, I enjoyed comparing notes with Will, and appreciated his candid stories of his own adventures with food, writing, and a moody constitution. It was especially relevant to talk through the history of con artists and hucksters, particularly when the clownish RFK Jr. has inexplicably become America’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. We also, inevitably, talked craft, the lit industry, technology, and influences. If this conversation is a gateway introduction to the world of Will Boast, I’m pleased, and hope you’ll share his work widely.ABOUT WILL BOASTLearn more about Will at https://www.willboast.orgTwitter: @willboastABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Jason Zinoman, a critic and author of Shock Value and Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night. He’s currently critic at large for the Culture section of the New York Times and writes a column about comedy. Jason became a blinking red light on my radar courtesy of his recent piece “For Comics, Honing Jokes Has Taken a Back Seat to Marketing. That’s Not Good.” Jason’s perceptive take confirmed a phenomenon I’ve both read a great deal about and experienced personally: that is, any artist, in today’s environment, is obliged to focus an increasing amount of time on promotion and PR. We explore the ways this might help the artist but hinder the art, and both how and why some creatives are better at this than others. Does it make sense to get professional help? Was it easier in the 20th Century? Are there silver linings to putting oneself more aggressively into the public sphere? These are some of the questions we tackle, all leading up to the current state of “cancel culture” and its implications, especially in stand-up comedy. Jason is super informed and full of valuable insights, and as you’ll see it was my extreme pleasure to speak with him.MORE FROM JASON ZINOMANRead New York Times articles by Jason:https://www.nytimes.com/by/jason-zinomanABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Ed Simon, who is the Public Humanities Special Faculty in the English Department of Carnegie Mellon University and the Editor-in-Chief for Belt Magazine and the forthcoming Pittsburgh Review of Books. His essays have appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times and many others. He dropped by to discuss his recent piece from Lit Hub, “American Literature’s White Whale: Why the “great American Novel” is Still Worth Pursuing.” Our conversation tackled this question (spoiler alert: a resounding YES), and explores how the best American novels have had one consistent quality across the centuries: they all, in their way, interrogate and grapple with what America is, and the ways it falls short of its utopian designs. As such, we mention Hawthorne, Melville, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Morrison, and many other notable names, all of whom can make claims to writing the American novel. Inevitably, we talk about narrative, the importance of story not only for creative endeavors (duh), but the ways exceptional storytelling is utilized by politicians, tech oligarchs, and lowly lit nerds. If you are interested in a lively discussion about what makes a good book endure across generations (and cultures and languages), you’ll love this episode, and if you could use a reminder that Moby Dick rules, we’ve got you covered.ABOUT THE GUESTSRead more from Ed Simon:https://lithub.com/american-literatures-white-whale-why-the-great-american-novel-is-still-worth-pursuingABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guests are Leeya Mehta and Bill Miller, both of whom I admire as friends, artists, teachers, and occasional collaborators. Bill directed the creative writing program at George Mason University for more than two dozen years, and helped establish the Alan Cheuse Center. Leeya is the current Director of the Center, and is also a prize-winning poet, fiction writer and essayist. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Cheuse Center, and we talk about how this beloved institution went from idea to thriving cultural force. Bill and Leeya share a genuine passion for community and connection, and their combined super power is generating awareness of—and enthusiasm for—international literature. We discuss the thrills, challenges, and opportunities inherent in operating a center that serves students, artists, and the wider community. We also assess the role of teachers, advocates, and creatives in uncertain times (hint: we agree this is vital work, always, but especially when powerful forces are doing their worst to stymie and silence expression). You’ll come away from this conversation informed, inspired, and hopefully fired up.ABOUT THE GUESTSLearn more about Bill and the Cheuse Center here: https://cheusecenter.gmu.edu/about/board-of-advisorsLearn more about Leeya here: https://leeyamehta.com/aboutABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Jessa Crispin, one of my favorite go-to sources for cultural insight and inspiration. She’s the author of Why I Am Not a Feminist: A Feminist Manifesto, and The Dead Ladies Project. Currently, she is editor-in-chief of the awesome publication The Culture We Deserve. Jessa joins me to talk about everything from the present state of American politics, to how both class and education remain ubiquitous yet oddly—and annoyingly—under-discussed topics in our media, and especially amongst progressives. Jessa, suffice it to say, is a much-needed voice, and one more self-satisfied and myopic critics and opinion writers should pay attention to. We inevitably discuss craft and why effective narrative works, not only via essays, but political campaigns. We also compare notes on the challenges and opportunities of maintaining an online brand, building a community amongst creatives, and why it’s always been difficult to carve out a viable (much less paying) gig as a writer. Jessa is always refreshing, provocative, challenging, and honest, and I hope everyone tuning in becomes a fan and spreads the word.ABOUT JESSA CRISPINLearn more about Jessa at jessacrispin.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is American avant-garde jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Matthew Shipp. Prolific and critically adored, Shipp has been praised by eclectic musicians ranging from David Bowie to Henry Rollins, and has recorded with virtually every significant contemporary jazz musician. Matthew joined me to talk about his new book Black Mystery School Pianists and Other Writings, which covers decades of his writing on subjects ranging from jazz icons, his own influences, and his voracious appetite for art and culture of all kinds. Matthew has many opinions, all of them deeply held and informed, and he shared his thoughts on everything from authenticity, discipline, community, and how to cultivate a creative existence. We also reminisced about the New York City scene of the mid 1980s, which was a much dirtier, diverse, and nurturing place; Matthew was part of a world where one might bump into anyone from John Zorn to Jean-Michel Basquiat. Matthew also talks about his discography, which is wide-ranging—from solo to trio and quartet work, as well as his cross-genre experimentations (some of which, from the early 2000’s, are among my favorite albums, particularly his collaborations with geniuses such as David S. Ware, William Parker, and DJ Spooky). This conversation, like Matthew’s music, went in many different directions, and anyone can learn a great deal from the trail Shipp has blazed.MORE FROM MATTHEW SHIPPBuy Black Mystery School Pianists and Other Writings on AmazonABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Jacob Silverman, who is an independent journalist and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud. He writes often about the politics of technology, the media, and is a contributing editor for The Baffler and The New Republic. Jacob and I compare notes on how we saw the 2024 election unfold (including predictions and assumptions we—and most journalists—made), and some of the myriad things that are different with Trump 2.0. One particular topic we go deep on is the unsettling, recent development of MAGA-supporting tech oligarchs, and how that money and influence has virtually reshaped our culture. We also take a crack at a personal obsession, which is why—and how—the Democrats have historically been so inept at crafting compelling or effective messaging. We also cover the ways technology is impacting everything from politics and academia to the arts. Jacob also has long been an astute observer of social media (in general) and the ways it at once connects and disrupts a global audience. Check out why I’ve been a big fan of Jacob, and see why you should begin following him, and look forward to his next book, coming later in 2025!ABOUT JACOB SILVERMANYou can learn more about Jacob and Subscribe to him here on Substack:ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

We’re thrilled to announce that Season 3 of Some Things Considered drops next Tuesday, April 29th—and we’re just getting started.Hosted by award-winning author and cultural critic Sean Murphy, Some Things Considered is a weekly podcast and Substack newsletter that goes deep with creative minds across literature, music, art, politics, and tech. These aren’t just interviews—they’re immersive conversations about what drives creativity, why story matters, and how our most inspired thinkers turn vision into impact.Now entering its third season, the podcast continues to peel back the layers of how creativity works—from the personal routines and philosophies of master storytellers to the broader cultural currents shaping art and expression in America today. This season, host Sean Murphy dives deeper into the currents shaping our creative, cultural, and political landscapes—with a fresh lineup of writers, thinkers, musicians, critics, and change-makers.* From the dystopian rise of tech oligarchs to the future of political messaging, investigative journalist Jacob Silverman opens the season with a wide-ranging conversation on the post-2024 election climate, the influence of crypto billionaires, and why Democrats keep missing the messaging memo.* Legendary jazz pianist and thinker Matthew Shipp explores authenticity, artistic integrity, and how NYC’s underground scene shaped a generation of innovators. This episode is a masterclass in how to live—and think—creatively.* Ed Simon, English professor and Belt Magazine editor, unpacks the myth of the Great American Novel and how literature continues to challenge, reflect, and reshape American democracy.* Cultural critic and iconoclast Jessa Crispin holds nothing back, tackling class, feminism, media, and the uneasy politics of visibility in a chaotic age. It's a sharp, insightful look at narrative power and building meaningful communities.* Leeya Mehta and Bill Miller reflect on a decade of the Alan Cheuse International Writers Center, the role of the literary arts in global dialogue, and why nurturing creativity matters now more than ever.* Jason Zinoman, NYT critic and comedy chronicler, joins to unpack how self-promotion is reshaping art itself—and how comedians are navigating the increasingly blurred line between craft and content.* Will Boast digs into literary indigestion—literally—with a brilliant discussion on bodily woes, con artists, and the literary roots of discomfort. It’s funny, unsettling, and deeply researched.* Ryan Flahive, host of Climate Changers, offers a timely reflection on climate storytelling, narrative-driven activism, and the challenges of making meaning in a media-saturated world.* Dr. Shawn DuBravac, economist and futurist, closes the season with a big-picture look at how emerging tech—AI in particular—is reshaping our future. He breaks down complex ideas with clarity and heart.* Paula Whyman, author and naturalist, shares the personal and political layers of her new memoir—an immersive journey through nature, identity, and belonging. She reflects on writing, teaching, and the solace found in wild places.If you enjoy the show, tell a friend (or five), and let us know who you think we should feature next. We’re here to celebrate creativity in all its forms—and we’re just getting warmed up.Listen and subscribe at seanmurphy.live. Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Jane Friedman who, if you have even casually followed anything to do with book publishing and the state of the literary industry during the last two decades, you already know—and appreciate. Jane has been the consensus go-to for insights on trends, developments, and how to build a platform in the 21st Century. Named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023, Jane has been featured across countless media outlets, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN, BBC, NPR, and many others. Her guide The Business of Being a Writer is the book I most often recommend to anyone looking to get a handle on an industry that, while always evolving, is primarily driven by the same people: those writing and those seeking good writing. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Jane on many occasions, dating back to when I was an analyst for the technology industry (and we chatted about such new-fangled developments as eReaders and blogs!). Every time I speak with Jane, I learn new things about a world I’m deeply involved—and invested—in, so I can’t overstate how invaluable her perspective is. In this episode of Some Things Considered we cover what to be excited and/or concerned about (hint: people are still buying books!), how writers can and should balance their priorities as they relate to writing vs. marketing, we assess the health of lit mags, and inevitably, we talk a bit about AI. This conversation will, in sum, illustrate why Jane is my annual MVP of all-things literary. ABOUT JANE FRIEDMANLearn more about Jane's work at janefriedman.com and here on Substack: ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Grant Shonkwiler who, if you’ve been following the gaming industry during the last couple of decades, you already know as the legend he is. For those unfamiliar, Grant has built his reputation as a programmer, lead designer, technical producer, leadership coach, and author. (Even if you aren’t personally a gaming enthusiast, it’s almost impossible you’ve not heard of Doom and Fortnite—just two of the massively popular and influential projects Grant has worked on!) For today’s discussion, Grant reviews his career trajectory—from apprentice to master, from fan to mentor—through the consistent influences of curiosity and passion. In addition to insights provided about how best-selling games go from conception to execution to marketing, Grant also explains how storytelling impacts all aspects of the business. We also explore how technology is often if not always challenging (and challenged) before it becomes embraced and adopted; one could look at the ways gaming has—and hasn’t—changed and make myriad comparisons to the movie, music, and book industries. Perhaps the most critical ingredient of everything Grant has accomplished is an understanding that one can only succeed (as a gamer, as a writer, as a consultant) if one is able to make genuine connections: authenticity, along with curiosity and passion, is the special sauce that makes special things happen.ABOUT GRANT SHONKWILERLearn more about Grant at shonkventures.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guests are dynamic duo and my favorite creative husband and wife team Karen E. Bender and Robert Anthony Siegel. Karen is author of the story collection Refund, which was a Finalist for the 2015 National Book Award in Fiction and also a Los Angeles Times bestseller. Her third collection of stories, The Words of Dr. L, will be published by Counterpoint Press in May, 2025. Robert is a writer, writing coach, and author of the memoir Criminals and two novels, All Will Be Revealed, and All the Money in the World. In addition, they have taught creative writing at the college level for more than two decades and are deeply dedicated literary citizens. During our very busy conversation, we covered their recent—and forthcoming—writing, how teaching has changed (and, importantly, the ways it hasn’t), and how the state of the literary industry is ever-evolving. Key themes involve the necessity of adapting, embracing available technologies, and why community is a necessary, if often overlooked component of the artistic existence. Karen and Robert remain positive forces of inspiration, because they consistently operate at the highest levels of achievement (as writers, as teachers), but they are also incredibly kind and generous human beings; we need their example more than ever right now. Please enjoy this wonderful conversation!ABOUT KAREN E. BENDER & ROBERT ANTHONY SIEGEL Learn more about Karen's work at karenebender.com Learn more about Robert's work at robertanthonysiegel.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Hannah Grieco, who, using baseball terminology is a five tool player: she’s a writer, a teacher, an editor, an advocate, and a literary citizen extraordinaire. She is also one of my favorite creative people, managing to be insanely productive (and successfully published!), but also a devoted mother, friend, and cheerleader for the arts. You may have read her work in The Washington Post, or Huffington Post, or The Rumpus, or in any number of other highly regarded lit journals. Her writing has been nominated for Best American Essays, The Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, Best Small Fictions, and Best Microfiction.It’s been my pleasure to collaborate with Hannah many times, via 1455, and—proving the literary community in DC is tight and supportive—many of the other organizations and authors we know and support. Hannah, as I mention in this conversation, is a rare and refreshing person who’s incapable of dishonesty; this shines through in her work, but is also what makes her such an indefatigable champion for other people’s work. She’s got opinions (which is good), and they are all informed and insightful (which is better), and we check in on the state of our industry, academia, constant hustle being the “new normal” for creatives, and how to find balance between writing, life, and the daily grind. Hannah keeps it real in every sense of the word, and I hope—if you’re not yet familiar with her—you’ll become a fan once you hear her. She’s got wisdom to share, and while no one could copy her, everyone should be inspired by her example. Please enjoy this action-packed conversation!ABOUT GUEST HANNAH GRIECOLearn more about Hannah's work at hgrieco.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Jordan Blum, a writer and critic I admire and hold up as an ideal example for anyone who is trying to figure out how to navigate an ever-evolving media landscape. I first met Jordan more than a decade ago when we both were columnists for PopMatters—contributing features, reviews, and interviews on everything from music and books to movies and politics. Jordan, like myself, is a music fanatic and it’s illuminating (and, yes, inspiring) to hear him discuss his early forays into criticism, his first bylines, and his maturation as a widely published editor and subject matter expert. He and I share an obsession with prog rock, and during our conversation we explore how it’s necessary to be honest, even when writing about a beloved band or musician (especially if it’s not a positive review). Jordan holds an MFA in fiction and teaches composition and creative writing at several colleges/universities. Beyond that, he’s a past or present contributor to Grammy.com, Metal Injection, MetalSucks, PROG magazine, Consequence, WhatCulture, Loudwire, and Kerrang! Finally, his three books (On Track: Jethro Tull, On Track: Opeth, and On Track: Dream Theater) were published by Sonicbond Publishing. ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Justen Ahren, a photographer, poet, musician and writing workshop facilitator. I met Justen at the Noepe Center a decade ago, and he and I share—among other things—a passion for writing and how to push creative boundaries, the rewards of cultivating communities (both in and outside artistic spaces), and balancing how to make a living and how to suck the marrow out of life, as Thoreau encouraged. Justen has, in addition to running the Noepe Center and producing his own work across multiple genres, been developing his Devotion to Writing program, which is at once a series of workshops, part of 1455’s Moveable Feast series, and an entire philosophy—and we talk in depth about what he’s done and plans to do going forward. Speaking of Thoreau, Justen is the best contemporary comp for that American icon, although he’s as gregarious and positive as Thoreau was austere and solitary; he is fascinated by the ways our natural world compliments and encourages creativity, and once you’ve seen him in his day-to-day routine, his multi-faceted talents come into sharp, spectacular focus. Justen’s photographs are held in several private collections, and have been exhibited in both solo and group shows and at Miner Family Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard. He is Emeritus Poet Laureate of Martha’s Vineyard and founder of Noepe Center of Literary Arts. He has received two commissions for poetry from Wendy Taucher Dance Theater Opera, and one from John Sims’ Afro Dixie Project. His two poetry collections are A Strange Catechism (2013) and A Machine for Remembering (2019). ABOUT GUEST JUSTEN AHRENLearn more about Justen's work at justenahren.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41YouTube: youtube.com/@seanmurphy6184 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is the poet, professor, and arts advocate Holly Karapetkova. If you’ve been following anything I do, especially the year-round free programming of 1455, you already know Holly, because she is one of my favorite people and someone to whom I always take the opportunity to speak with: speaking with her on any topic is always enlightening and inspiring, and the primary purpose of today’s conversation is celebrating her forthcoming poetry collection, and comparing notes on the state of higher education. Holly brings informed opinions based on decades of classroom experience, and she has only become more committed to effective teaching. In a profession that breeds burnout and cynicism like few others, Holly is entirely dedicated to reaching each new crop of undergrads, all of whom bring their own personal and cultural baggage, and molding not only better minds, but better human beings. Holly is Poet Laureate Emerita of Arlington County and the recipient of a 2022 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship. She is the author of two books of poetry, Words We Might One Day Say, winner of the 2010 Washington Writers’ Publishing House Poetry Award, and Towline, winner of the 2016 Vern Rutsala Poetry Contest from Cloudbank Books. Her third book, Dear Empire, was recently selected as co-winner of the 2024 Barry Spacks Poetry Prize and is forthcoming from Gunpowder Press. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in English and Comparative Literature and teaches at Marymount University in Arlington, VA.MORE ABOUT GUEST HOLLY KARAPETKOVA Learn more about Holly's work at karapetkova.com ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression. To receive new posts and support Some Things Considered, become a free or paid subscriber.ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY Website: seanmurphy.net Substack: seanmurphy.live Twitter: @bullmurph Instagram: @bullmurph Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Louis Bayard, the critically beloved and ever popular novelist, whose novel The Pale Blue Eye was adapted into the global #1 Netflix release starring Christian Bale. I’m honored to call Lou a friend, but I’ve been a fan since long before I met him, and it was a true pleasure to name him 1455’s Storyteller of the Year in 2022. The New York Times has written that Lou “reinvigorates historical fiction,” rendering the past “as if he’d witnessed it firsthand.” Anyone familiar with his work knows Lou combines brilliant storytelling with deep research, and his titles include like Courting Mr. Lincoln, Roosevelt’s Beast, The Black Tower, and Jackie & Me (ranked by the Washington Post as one of the top novels of 2022). A former instructor at George Washington University, his reviews and articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and Salon, and Lou is also a contributing writer to the Washington Post Book World. Lou is, quite simply, one of the most productive, respected, and erudite writers of our times, and to top it off, he’s also one of the nicest human beings, in the literary or wider world. We connected to discuss his latest novel, The Wildes, which Joyce Carole Oates praises as “a boldly audacious re-visioning of the martyrdom of Oscar Wilde, one which would have astonished Wilde himself.” We talk about his painstaking research (which fuels all his work), his indefatigable imagination, the routines and habits of any successful writer, and what it’s like to see famous actors playing roles he created. An hour is never enough with Lou, but this conversation is a continuation of an ongoing dialogue I look forward to continuing soon. ABOUT GUEST LOUIS BAYARD Learn more about Lou's work at louisbayard.com ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression. ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41YouTube: youtube.com/@seanmurphy6184 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Charles Bock, author of the new memoir I Will Do Better, as well as the novels Alice & Oliver and Beautiful Children (which was a New York Times bestseller and Notable Book, and which won the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters). His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Newsweek, and in numerous anthologies. Our discussion covered Charles’s experience, thus far, with his memoir (which, it should be stated, has garnered uniformly positive and enthusiastic reviews), but we also found time to discuss the state of “the industry” (as those of us who live in and struggle to define it say), and how a combination of info-overload, technological toys, and changing priorities make 2024 a particularly challenging time for creatives. We go deep into the tenuous academic model, which used to provide established writers stable pathways toward employment; for a variety of reasons (many of them due to our ever dysfunctional late-capitalist model), these opportunities have shrunk considerably, and even for those who have found success inside and outside the classroom, there’s a discernible air of uncertainty. We also come around, as all serious writers should and must, to the purpose of the work itself, and the need to eliminate distraction, and the pursuit of evanescent praise (see: social media). Charles, in short, has a refreshing old school sensibility, but he’s a vital contemporary artist who we all can learn from and be inspired by.ABOUT GUEST CHARLES BOCK Learn more about Charles at charlesbock.netABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression. ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41YouTube: youtube.com/@seanmurphy6184 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

We kick off Season 2 of Some Things Considered with a conversation continued from real life in real time. If you are in any way involved with (in no particular order) academia, writing, or the insanity of late-stage capitalism on a micro level, you might have read about what’s going on at Stanford, and the debacle occurring in their Creative Writing program.Long story short: just as professors were preparing for the fall semester, they were notified (via Zoom, because of course) that the non-tenured teachers who account for most of the courses being taught to undergrads were being “future-fired” (meaning they would keep their jobs for a year or two and then be summarily dismissed from their duties, not for cause or because of financial constraints, but just…because). There’s a lot to unpack here, and I first heard rumblings about this unsavory development a couple of months ago; the other week there was an article inThe Chronicle of Higher Education that broke down the situation in detail, and featured insights from Austin Smith, a beloved and well-published teacher who is at once appalled and blindsided by the university’s myopic decision. I naturally wanted to provide him an opportunity to share his experiences, and while we certainly discuss Stanford’s shenanigans, we also contextualize what’s happening as part of a much larger and ugly pattern we’re seeing in academia, specifically within Humanities departments, and both how and why the always-tenuous circumstances of creatives who love teaching is becoming a genuine crisis. Hint: in almost all cases, this is not because of budget cuts or hardships; it’s because of administrative bloat and the egregious ways colleges have been emulating the worst aspects of corporate culture. Austin is, in almost every way, the Platonic ideal of a contemporary professor: learned, passionate, and he actually, deeply cares about students. Sounds like someone a university should try to retain at all costs, right? I invite you not only to enjoy this conversation to learn more about Austin, but to get a better appreciation of what so many teachers (especially our ill-treated adjuncts who are trying to stay afloat in a system that’s equal parts abusive and dysfunctional), and to spread the word and get involved.ABOUT GUEST AUSTIN SMITHLearn more about Austin at austinrobertsmith.comABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDEREDAward-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression. Tune in and subscribe here on Substack at seanmurphy.liveABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHYWebsite: seanmurphy.netTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41YouTube: youtube.com/@seanmurphy6184 Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is the writer, professor, music expert and advocate Mark Katz. Dr. Katz, after receiving his PhD in muscilogy, has spent the last several decades writing, teaching, thinking about, and proselytizing the power of music; his accomplishments and publications are too numerous to list, but please visit him online to get a handle on the scope of his work and ongoing projects. The topic of today’s discussion was his new book Rap and Redemption on Death Row, co-authored with incarcerated musician Alim Braxton. I would describe this text as at once a compelling and necessary read, equal parts personal story of discovered purpose, history lesson, indictment of the American justice system (and our prisons), and advertisement for the power of creativity. Katz, having talked the good talk, walked the good walk (he is also Founding Director of the U.S. State Department hip hop cultural diplomacy program Next Level, established in 2014), connected with Alim via a letter, and their relationship—with led to a personal friendship and collaboration—is the basis of this remarkable story. We also talk about the formative influence of falling in love with art, the necessity of creativity, and the always humbling influence of learning (from others, about ourselves). Dr. Katz is one of the most positive and deep human beings I know, and it’s an absolute honor to share this conversation.Learn more about Dr. Katz here: https://music.unc.edu/people/musicfaculty/mark-katzSome Things Considered with Sean Murphy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is the award-winning author and literary queen Deesha Philyaw. Her debut short story collection The Secret Lives of Church Ladies won the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, and was a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction. Deesha is also a Baldwin for the Arts Fellow, and co-host of two podcasts, Ursa Short Fiction (with Dawnie Walton) and Reckon True Stories (with Kiese Laymon). Her debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, is forthcoming in 2026. Deesha has been featured in the 1455 Author Series, and been a repeat speaker at the 1455 StoryFest, and she’s been busy and productive since she and Sean last spoke on air. In addition to her writing and travels, Deesha has established herself as an indispensable voice for writers, using her growing platform to find positive and effective ways to help authors (especially under-represented voices) find publication. Deesha and Sean discuss what being a true literary citizen entails, and why championing the work of individual writers creates momentum for all creatives. Deesha provides detail about what it’s like to find success later in one’s life (after having written diligently for many years) and why a breakthrough book like Secret Lives served as both validation and motivation for more writing. No one can read Deesha’s words without being moved (and quite possibly changed, for the better), and no one will listen to her speak without being entertained, amused, and inspired.Find out about everything Deesha is up to these days at deeshaphilyaw.comSome Things Considered with Sean Murphy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is guitarist, composer, producer, and bandleader Jon Madof.  Based in New York, Jon is the leader of several bands, including Zion80 and Rashanim, and has released seven albums on Tzadik Records. In addition, Madof is co-founder of the prolific and eclectic CHANT Records label. I have known Jon for two decades and followed his remarkable career as a fan, critic, and friend. Our conversations, dating back to my days as a tech analyst, have always revolved around the challenges and opportunities of contemporary creativity, and how it’s incumbent on artists to both understand and utlize available technology. Jon is an original and multi-faceted musician, but he also strongly advocates for fellow artists—he leads by example and the music he has made possible through his CHANT Records label is no small miracle. Jon gives his always-insightful take on the current landscape: what he’s learned, and what led him to create a DIY recording studio in his basement. While any aspiring musician can learn a great deal from Jon, his words of wisdom are recommended for any creative looking to find a foothold in a rapidly changing (and yes, intimidating) environment. How does one balance imagination, discipline, promotion, and being an active part of a community? This conversation will shed light on how the hard work gets done, and typically ends up being its own reward.Explore Jon’s music and more at jonmadof.comSome Things Considered with Sean Murphy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Steven L. Herman, author, teacher, and chief national correspondent for the Voice of America. His latest book, Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story of Covering the President—and Why It Matters, was published in June. Steve was one of the first guests for the new Speaker Series I curate for the Center for Story at Shenandoah University, and he was on my podcast wish list as the election year chaos shifts into overdrive. In addition to discussing his book, which covers his decades of experience on the front lines, culminating with some truly surreal stories from the (first?) Trump presidency, Steven describes his formative years, and how he cultivated the skills necessary to rise to the very top of the super competitive journalism industry. Steve is also a walking and talking encyclopedia of American political history, and his insights on how the always uneasy relationship between presidents and the press are invaluable and fascinating. Naturally, this conversation explores the dynamics of the current election cycle, and what to look for in the weeks and months ahead. We hear so much—often from cynical and opportunistic insiders—about lack of trust in the media, and Steven is the gold standard for how objective, critical, and useful reporting is a genuine American tradition that informs (rather than senselessly dividing) our citizens.For more about Steve, check him out online at steveherman.pressSome Things Considered with Sean Murphy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe

Whitney Collins joins us to discuss—and celebrate—her brand-new collection Ricky and Other Love Stories. Whitney describes the unique ways short fiction works, and why this form (traditionally disdained by the Lit Industry as not being sufficiently “commercial,” prompting the by-now cliched question even a successful short story writer hears “what about a novel?”) seems uniquely situated for our current attention-deficit / info-overload cultural moment. Whitney unpacks why short fiction appeals to her and has helped her development an aesthetic that often does what the best flash fiction achieves: delivering quick punches that land and linger. Whitney also talks about the responsibilities of literary citizenship and why being part of a community (or, circa 2024, a number of micro-communities) is at once necessary and, for the writer, refreshing. Aspiring writers looking for inspiration and guidance will appreciate Whitney’s thoughts on the importance of putting one’s work out to a wide variety of outlets, especially contests—which can provide an author with invaluable exposure that leads to other opportunities.Learn more about Whitney and her work at whitneycollins.comSome Things Considered with Sean Murphy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Sean Murphy at murphlaw.substack.com/subscribe