Unwritten by Michael Jamin
"Unwritten by Michael Jamin" is a 5-10 minute weekly podcast. I share my thoughts on the things I'm struggling with. These are the stories before they become stories.
Thoughts of a writer before the stories are written.
Show overview
Unwritten by Michael Jamin launched in 2024 and has put out 15 episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 2 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run under ten minutes — most land between 6 min and 10 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Arts show.
The catalogue appears to be on hiatus or wound down — the most recent episode landed 1.3 years ago, with no new episodes in over a year. The busiest year was 2024, with 11 episodes published. Published by Thoughts of a writer before the stories are written..
From the publisher
Michael Jamin is a tv writer/showrunner. His credits include King of the Hill, Beavis & Butt-Head, Just Shoot Me, Wilfred, Maron, Rules of Engagement, Out of Practice, Brickleberry, and Tacoma FD. He's also the author his bestselling collection of personal essays, A Paper Orchestra. There’s no shortage of podcasts on the subject of writing. But who’s talking about the stuff that happens before the stories are written? This podcast is about the struggles, the doubts, and the challenges of living a creative life. It's the stuff we write about... before it becomes written. Join Michael as he works through the issues he faces as a writer/author/performer. Hopefully, you’ll feel seen and heard and realize that you’re not alone in this. michaeljamin.substack.com
Latest Episodes
S1 Ep 14Ep. 14 - Can't it just be a book
When I first started writing A Paper Orchestra, the question I was most often asked was, “Do you plan on turning it into a TV show?I’m touring with my one-man show, A Paper Orchestra. Come see me!Seattle, WA: February 20-23, 2025Berkeley, CA: February 25, 2025Hollywood, CA: June (tickets coming soon)What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 13 - Lenses
In this episode, I talk about writing a story about my college reunion. And looking at it through a specific lens.I’ve also added two more cities to my tour:Seattle, WA: Feb 20-23, 2025Berkeley, CA: Feb 25michaeljamin.com/ticketsMeet and greet after the show. I hope to meet and greet you!What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 12 - Imposter Syndrome
This week I talk about my giant bout with imposter syndrome.Links to purchase my book, A Paper Orchestra, can be found on michaeljamin.comWhat the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 11 - My Writing Process
I’m constantly on the lookout for new stories to write about. Because I write personal essays, I’m looking for an event that triggers an emotional response from me. Without the emotional response, it’s an anecdote. That anecdote might be part of a larger story, but it’s not the story itself.Listener’s Note: I reference my book, A Paper Orchestra.What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 10 - I compare myself, too
In this week’s episode, I explore the perils of comparing yourself to others… especially to a master.I also reference my collection of personal essays, A Paper Orchestra. Happy New Year, everyone! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 9 - Finding the Joy
This week I discuss:* Where’s the joy in this story?* Taking my one-man show, A Paper Orchestra, to the next level!See me on tour:michaeljamin.com/upcomingA Paper Orchestra just made the Editor’s Choice Award’s “Top 16 Books of 2024” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 9 - Celebrating Small Victories
I’m not great at celebrating small victories. It feels premature to me. And yet I always tell people to do just that.Here’s why I’m making an exception this time.What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 8 - Finding My Next Story
A few months ago, I told an anecdote on social media about working at Bed, Bath & Beyond when I was in high school. It’s funny but not deep enough to make a great story. Here’s how I plan on fixing that:Mentioned in this episode: My collection of personal essays, A Paper Orchestra.What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 7- The importance of authenticity
We went to see a local production of John Patrick Shanley’s, “The Prodigal Son.” Here’s my big takeaway. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 6 - Perception vs Reality: What it's really like to be a writer/performer
Touring info: michaeljamin.com/ticketsBook: michaeljamin.com/book This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 5 - May you live with ease
Today’s thoughts: Why we need artists now more than ever.What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 4 - Why am I even doing this?
I just returned from NY and Chicago, where I was touring with my one-man show, A Paper Orchestra. This thought hit me hard. My next show is in Los Angeles on November 9, 2024 at Dynasty Typewriter.Catch me perform in your city.What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 3 - Writing about firsts
Today’s thoughts: Why I always advise emerging writers to write about “firsts.”What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 2 - Reinventing yourself
Today’s thoughts: Why it’s so difficult to reinvent yourself… and some great advice I picked up along the way if you want to do so.For those interested, I reference “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Joe Dispenza.What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe
Ep. 1 - Introduction
Read A Paper Orchestra This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaeljamin.substack.com/subscribe