Working

This week, host Karen Han talks to Jeeyon Shim, who designs immersive games that allow players to craft objects and tell stories. In the interview, Jeeyon discusses her career as an outdoor educator and explains how that work prompted her pivot to game design. She also explains what a “keepsake game” is and describes her latest game, called The Snow Queen, which repurposes chess pieces and allows players to craft narratives about them. After the interview, Karen and co-host June Thomas discuss the appeal of solo games. Then they reflect on Jeeyon’s comments about making a living as an artist and treating creative work as work. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Jeeyon lists some of her favorite games to play. Jeeyon’s games can be found at jeeyonshim.games. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen, writers and creators of the HBO series Somebody, Somewhere. In the interview, Hannah and Paul discuss their close collaborative relationship and share some of the creative practices they developed with their theater company, The Debate Society. Then they talk about the development and writing process behind Somebody, Somewhere, which is set in rural Kansas and stars actor and cabaret singer Bridget Everett, who grew up there. After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas talk about the effectiveness of writing exercises and the difficulty of describing one’s own creative processes. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Hannah and Paul explain why they chose not to include any details about the pandemic in Somebody, Somewhere. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this edition of Working Overtime, hosts Isaac Butler and Karen Han reply to an email from a listener named Jeffrey, who points out how rare it is to see an accurate depiction of creativity in movies and on TV. One reason for this, Jeffrey asserts, is that creative work requires a lot of boring drudgery. Isaac and Karen weigh in on this idea and list some examples of accurate depictions of the creative process. Is there a question about creativity or inspiration that you’d like to ask the hosts of Working? Give us a call and leave a message at (304) 933-9675, or email us at [email protected] production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to author, ghostwriter, and YouTuber Michelle Schusterman, who’s written more than a dozen novels. In the interview, Michelle differentiates between her various writing jobs and explains how she juggles so many projects. She also gives a step-by-step description of her ghostwriting process for fiction and offers advice on how to manage clients. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss strategies for managing multiple jobs at once and learning through trial-and-error. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Michelle talks about her time as a marching band teacher and explains how it led to one of her first big writing jobs. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to composer and band leader Fabian Almazan. In the interview, Fabian explains how he uses physical places, like the Everglades or a region in Cuba, as a jumping-off point to compose music. He also discusses Biophilia Records, a label he started as a way to gather like-minded musicians. His latest album, This Land Abounds With Life, was released as a “Biopholio,” which is Fabian’s green alternative to traditional physical media. After the interview, Isaac and co-host Karen Han talk about Fabian’s approach to inspiration and their own relationships to classical music. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Isaac asks Fabian about his experience working with composer and Spike Lee collaborator Terence Blanchard. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas and Karen Han discuss their experiences with writer’s block. Then they analyze how the Apple TV+ series about Emily Dickinson, aptly named Dickinson, addresses writer’s block. Have you experienced writer’s block or other creative hurdles? Share them with us at (304) 933-9675 or email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Karen Han talks to Isaac Butler about the writing of his new book The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act. They discuss how Isaac’s background as a child professional actor informed his understanding of his subject, how he researched a wide-ranging topic that spanned geography and generations, and how he conceived of the book’s structure and managed its narrative tension. After the interview, Karen and co-host June Thomas talk about learning from the questions that arise during a book’s research phase, coming to terms with having to make cuts to a manuscript, and how to find trusted outside readers.In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Karen asks Isaac to recommend some great Method performances. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to New Yorker writer Rebecca Mead about her new memoir Home/Land, which traces her experience moving back to Britain after making a home for herself in New York and becoming a U.S. citizen. In the interview, Rebecca discusses the feelings she wanted to capture in the book and describes her impulse to document an important moment in her life. She also explains why Home/Land was more difficult to write than her previous books. After the interview, June and co-host Karen Han talk about the challenges Rebecca faced while writing her book and what we can learn from them. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, June asks Rebecca for some moving tips. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Working Overtime, hosts Karen Han and June Thomas dissect some creative advice from the director Bong Joon-ho, who claimed during his 2020 Oscars acceptance speech that “the most personal is the most creative,” a phrase he attributed to director Martin Scorsese. In their conversation, Karen and June examine the advice and discuss the upsides and downsides of making their work personal. Is there a piece of creative advice that you’d like to share with us? Call and leave us a message at (304) 933-9675 or email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Kevin Bendis.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to playwright Aleshea Harris and director Whitney White, whose new play On Sugarland is currently in preview performances at the New York Theatre Workshop. In the interview, Aleshea and Whitney explain the crucial relationship between playwrights and directors and discuss the ways they work together, solve problems, and ultimately put on the best production possible. After the interview, co-host June Thomas asks Isaac about his experience working as a director and collaborating with writers. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Aleshea and Whitney explain how COVID protocols have affected their rehearsal process. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron DrewsIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Karen Han talks to comedy writer Karen Chee, who works as a writer and performer for Late Night With Seth Meyers. In the interview, Chee discusses her early work writing humor pieces for the New Yorker before landing a job writing for the Golden Globes. Then she breaks down her joke-writing process for Late Night, which involves generating dozens of setups and punchlines every day. After the interview, Karen Han and co-host June Thomas discuss the challenges of producing a large volume of work under a tight deadline. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Chee talks about her taste in movies. Then she shares more secrets from the Late Night writers' room. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this edition of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas, Isaac Butler, and Karen Han discuss the pomodoro technique, which involves breaking work into timed intervals and taking breaks in between those intervals. In their conversation, they talk about the benefits of taking breaks and using timers, but they also underscore the importance of creative momentum. Could the pomodoro technique actually disrupt the flow of certain tasks?If you have creative techniques or strategies to share, or if you’d like some advice from June, Isaac, and Karen, send us an email at [email protected] or leave a message at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Kevin Bendis.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to author Malinda Lo, whose book Last Night at the Telegraph Club won the National Book Award. In the interview, Malinda explains that she never intended to write books under the young adult label. She also digs into her writing process, which involves many drafts and inspirational mood music. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss Malinda’s research process and her willingness to go down rabbit holes. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Malinda talks about her use of Chinese languages in Last Night at the Telegraph Club. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Fionnuala Murphy, an actor and linguist who invented multiple alien languages for Apple TV Plus’s series Foundation. In the interview, Fionnuala explains how she landed the job, which was her first ever foray into language creation. Then she breaks down the process of designing the languages based on information she could gather from the scripts and conversations with the Foundation team. After the interview, Isaac and co-host Karen Han talk about their own relationships to language and discuss how patterns and structures, like those found in language, are crucial to their creative work. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Isaac asks Fionnuala about her translation work. Then Fionnuala offers advice for people who are trying to better understand their own language. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron DrewsIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the debut episode of Working Overtime! In these bi-weekly episodes, June, Isaac, and Karen dissect creative advice​​—and sometimes offer it to listeners and each other. This week, they discuss a piece of advice from cartoonist Alison Bechdel, who argues that avoiding the Internet every once in a while can lead to more focus and productivity. In the discussion, the hosts assess whether the internet helps or hurts their creative work and share some strategies for logging off when necessary. Do you have a piece of creative advice to share? Or maybe you could use some advice from the Working crew. Either way, get in touch at [email protected] or leave a message at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Karen Han talks to fashion designer Jasmine Chong whom you might know from the reality show Making the Cut. Before founding her own label, Jasmine worked for some of the most influential names in fashion. In the interview, Jasmine explains the profound influence her fashion designer mother has had on her life, creative outlook, and career. After the interview, Karen and co-host Isaac Butler discuss the challenges of unraveling how people develop their aesthetic and what their aspirational garments are. (Isaac is big into Brian Cox’s Succession cardigans..) In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Karen asks Jasmine about “straight-sizing” and how the fashion industry remains centered around a small sub-section of sizes and body types.Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Zak Rosen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, hosts June Thomas, Isaac Butler, and Karen Han share their creative New Year’s Resolutions for 2022. Then they look back at their goals for 2021 and discuss what they accomplished and where they had trouble. They also check in with former host Rumaan Alam, who shares an update on his 2021 resolutions. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, hosts June Thomas, Isaac Butler, and Karen Han help each other to overcome creative roadblocks and discuss some of their favorite pieces of creative wisdom. But first, they make a big announcement about future episodes of Working. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to Debra Schmidt Bach, a curator of the New-York Historical Society’s new exhibition, " ‘Turn Every Page’: Inside the Robert A. Caro Archive.” They discuss the art of selecting objects that visitors will respond to; how objects like notebooks and a typewriter showcase Caro’s idiosyncratic writing process; and the particular challenges of maintaining an exhibition that features lots of pieces of paper, a material that needs to rest so that it can be preserved.After the interview, June and co-host Karen Han discuss what kind of museum visitors they are, the art of winnowing, and how they find projects that will sustain their interest.In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Schmidt Bach reveals her strategy for overcoming “curator’s block” and shares what she learned from working on the Caro exhibition.Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Ai-Ling Lee, a movie sound editor whose long résumé includes the critically acclaimed films First Man, La La Land, and Jojo Rabbit. In the interview, Lee explains what a sound editor does and how it’s different from the work of a sound mixer. Then she delves into the many creative decisions that go into crafting an immersive soundscape for movies. After the interview, Isaac and co-host Karen Han discuss Lee’s early career strategy of cold-calling people in the movie business.In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Lee explains how technological advancements have changed the way she works. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Karen Han talks to Andrew Ortiz, founder of the movie merchandise company Super Yaki, which designs T-shirts, pins, hats, and more. In the interview, Andrew discusses the origins of the company and their first product, which was an enamel pin with legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki’s face on it. After that, Andrew talks about quitting his day job, staffing the company, and building a customer base of people who adore cinema.After the interview, Karen and co-host June Thomas discuss Andrew’s ability to create a vibe and a clear mission for his company.In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Andrew offers some tips for avoiding burnout. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to Zak Rosen, host of The Best Advice Show podcast. First, they discuss the premise of Zak’s podcast, which features very short pieces of advice, then Zak shares some clips of his favorite words of wisdom. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Zak offers advice about interviewing. If you have advice that you’d like to share with Zak, you can leave a message at (844) 935-BEST. If you want to get in touch with us at Working—whether you have creative advice or a problem you’d like us to help us solve—leave a message at (304) 933-WORK or email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Zak Rosen.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to Oliver Burkeman, author of the book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. In the interview, Oliver shares his philosophy of time management, which hinges on the finite nature of life. He also discusses his previous experience as a “productivity geek” and explains some of the dangers of obsessive time management. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss their own approaches to organization and productivity. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Oliver talks about the benefits (and drawbacks) of group activities. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to documentary filmmaker Stanley Nelson, whose latest film, ATTICA, covers the 1971 uprising at the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York. In the interview, Stanley explains how he decides which stories to tell and how he earns the trust of his subjects. He also discusses the finer points of structure, editing, and his use of sound effects and music. After the interview, Isaac and co-host Karen Han talk about the challenges of creating a structure for nonfiction projects and the difficult task of cutting interviews down. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Stanley looks back at the time he worked with legendary documentary filmmaker William Greaves. Then Isaac asks him if he ever gets nostalgic for the pre-digital era of filmmaking. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, in her first episode as co-host of Working, Karen Han interviews cartoonist Dami Lee. In the interview, Dami talks about her resistance to art school and her early strategy of pursuing art “on the side.” Then she discusses her current career as a freelance cartoonist, her webcomic As Per Usual, and her book Be Everything at Once: Tales of a Cartoonist Lady Person. After the interview, Karen and co-host Isaac Butler discuss the difficulties of pitching work as a freelancer. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Dami talks about her work translating comics from Korean to English. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to makeup artist Leslie Ann Sebert about her long career in film and her latest project, the Netflix movie Nightbooks, starring Krysten Ritter. Leslie talks about how she fits into the collaborative process of creating the visuals that shape a film and it’s characters … and just how hard it is to find the exact right formula for candy vomit. After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss people who choose sole career path at a young age, versus people whose career changes over time, And Isaac explains his biggest piece of writing advice—buy a laser printer. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. HostIsaac Butler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to Rebecca Lavoie, who oversees podcasts at New Hampshire Public Radio and who has a “side” hustle as host and producer of Crime Writers On..., These Are Their Stories, and several other podcasts. Rebecca explains why her supposed side-gig has expanded into a much bigger enterprise, and how she makes that work. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler talk about how Rebecca gets it all done and the “grass is always greener” issue of being on staff versus being a freelancer in creative fields. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to actor Alessandro Nivola, who recently starred in the Sopranos prequel The Many Saints of Newark. In the interview, Alessandro discusses his early career as a theater actor and shares a piece of wisdom he got from Robert De Niro about memorizing lines. Then he digs into the process of becoming a believable 1970’s tough guy in Many Saints. After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss line memorization and the joys of being part of a “scene.” In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Alessandro shares how he’s able to tap into powerful emotions in scenes that call for it. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The Relentless features a conversation about how we can go above and beyond the expected to create truly unique customer experiences. Host Kristen Meinzer talks with Tina Roth Eisenberg, a successful entrepreneur who epitomizes an imaginative and intuitive approach to business. Her diverse collection of enterprises include a co-working space, the temporary tattoo company Tattly, a to-do list app, and an extraordinary lecture series and community called CreativeMornings, which has become a global phenomenon. You’ll also hear from Greg Harrelson, a leading CENTURY 21 Broker and entrepreneur who built a top-performing team by prioritizing coaching and empowering his agents to deliver the best customer experience possible.Guests: Tina Roth Eisenberg, founder of the creative coworking community FRIENDS, global lecture series CreativeMornings, to-do app TeuxDeux, and high-end temporary tattoo shop, Tattly.Greg Harrelson, top performing Broker and President of CENTURY 21 The Harrelson Group, and host of the Level Up podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to actor Tom Mison, who discusses some of his favorite roles, from Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow to Mr. Phillips in Watchmen. Tom also discusses various approaches to acting and his process for learning how to convincingly portray a blind character in the Apple TV+ series, SEE.After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss Tom’s description of different acting traditions in the UK and the US. Then, June turns to Isaac for some creative advice.In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, June asks Tom about "posh" parts and "common" parts, a dichotomy that seems to exist all too often in the UK.Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Dana Covarrubias, costume designer for the popular Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. In the interview, Dana explains how her early work as an actor influences her decision-making as a costume designer. She also breaks down some of the creative thinking that went into the wardrobes for each of the main characters in Only Murders in the Building. After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss Dana’s technique of establishing backstories for every character, even the minor ones. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Dana talks about designing the wardrobes for some of the supporting characters. Then she talks about how to deal with the costume design equivalent of writer’s block. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to writer and podcaster Nichole Perkins, whose new book of personal essays is Sometimes I Trip on How Happy We Could Be. In the interview, Nichole describes the techniques she used to get in touch with early memories for the book. She also discusses the importance of clarity and her mission to avoid being misunderstood. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler get some creative advice from writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Nichole talks about some of her favorite collections of personal essays. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, in his final hosting appearance on the show, Rumaan Alam talks to graphic designer Rodrigo Corral, who specializes in book cover art. In the interview, Rodrigo explains how his designs attempt to capture the tone and themes of the books they adorn. He also talks about avoiding a signature style and finding inspiration at the hardware store. After the interview, Rumaan and co-host Isaac Butler discuss the covers of their books and the creative decisions that went into the designs. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Rodrigo explains how fatherhood has impacted his work. He also talks about some cover art that he admires. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Morgan Flannery. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to music supervisor Morgan Rhodes. In the interview, Morgan explains what a music supervisor is, how she researches music for film and TV projects, and the challenges she deals with in securing the rights to that music. After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas talk about specific examples of music in film and TV that have stood out to them—for better or for worse. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Isaac asks Morgan about how and when she likes to use well-known music in her projects. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery. HostIsaac Butler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to Shayne Bushfield, aka Thorsten A. Integrity, founder of the online trivia competition LearnedLeague. In the interview, Shayne explains how LearnedLeague works and discusses his efforts to make trivia more inclusive by expanding the “trivia canon.” He also reveals how he’s been able to write thousands of unique trivia questions over the years. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler talk about their experiences with trivia. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, June asks Shayne who the new host of Jeopardy! should be. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer, who wrote the spooky, absolutely unmistakable score for the HBO series The White Lotus. In the interview, Cristobal discusses his career journey and explains why he switched from writing classical and pop music to scoring TV shows. Then he gets into the details of how he came up with the sound for The White Lotus and what it was like collaborating with writer/director Mike White. After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas talk about Cristobal’s seemingly joyful composition process. Then they answer a listener’s question about procrastination. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Cristobal discusses the challenges of working on a long-term project and explains why he struggles to get past the research phase. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to playwright Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu about her play Pass Over, which is the first show to premiere on Broadway after a long shutdown due to COVID-19. In the interview, Antoinette discusses the process of writing the play and describes how Samuel Beckett’s influence “came charging in.” She also talks about the many different versions of the play, current revisions, and her new mission to prioritize self-care. After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss the continuing importance of Broadway. Then they hear from a listener who wants to know if she’s doing enough research before moving forward with her creative projects. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to Charlie Jane Anders, author of many novels and a new book of writing advice, Never Say You Can't Survive. In the interview, Charlie Jane offers tons of detailed writing tips and explains how escaping into fictional worlds can help people endure hard times. After the interview, June and co-host Rumaan Alam discuss some of Charlie Jane’s writing tips, and then Rumaan talks about his recent profile of author Jason Reynolds, which was published in the New Yorker. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Rumaan Alam talks to artist Shahzia Sikander about her decades-long career as a painter and multimedia artist. In the interview, Shahzia discusses the process behind her painting “The Scroll,” which she created as an undergraduate student in Pakistan. She also talks about her relationship to the concept of “tradition” and her unwillingness to either break or conform to it. After the interview, Rumaan and co-host Isaac Butler discuss the importance of demystifying artwork. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Shahzia grapples with the way her art was received in the 1990s and the tendency to look at her work through the narrow lens of her biography. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to composer Jake Heggie, who the Wall Street Journal described as “arguably the world’s most popular 21st-century opera and art song composer.” In the interview, Jake talks about how he fell in love with opera and why he composes all his work on manuscript paper by hand. He also discusses his recent work, Songs for Murdered Sisters, which he created with the help of writer Margaret Atwood and singer Joshua Hopkins. After the interview, June and co-host Rumaan Alam talk about Joshua’s refined artistic instincts. Then they help a listener who wants to start publishing fiction again after a long break. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re kicking off Season 2 with a conversation about how we can go above and beyond the expected to create truly unique customer experiences. Host Kristen Meinzer talks with Tina Roth Eisenberg, a successful entrepreneur who epitomizes an imaginative and intuitive approach to business. Her diverse collection of enterprises include a co-working space, the temporary tattoo company Tattly, a to-do list app, and an extraordinary lecture series and community called CreativeMornings, which has become a global phenomenon. You’ll also hear from Greg Harrelson, a leading CENTURY 21 Broker and entrepreneur who built a top-performing team by prioritizing coaching and empowering his agents to deliver the best customer experience possible.Guests: Tina Roth Eisenberg, founder of the creative coworking community FRIENDS, global lecture series CreativeMornings, to-do app TeuxDeux, and high-end temporary tattoo shop, Tattly.Greg Harrelson, top performing Broker and President of CENTURY 21 The Harrelson Group, and host of the Level Up podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to J. Robert Lennon, author of numerous short stories and novels. In the interview, Lennon discusses his daily writing practices, the importance of revision, and the creation of his new novel, Subdivision, which features a supernatural world with its own unique makeup and logic. Lennon also talks about his recently published short story collection, Let Me Think. After the interview, Isaac and co-host Rumaan Alam discuss Lennon’s process of taking notes and drawing material out of his subconscious. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Lennon shares the origins of a short story he wrote called “Falling Down the Stairs.” Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Rumaan Alam talks to photographers James and Karla Murray, who are on a mission to capture the unique charm of New York City’s storefronts and advocate for small businesses. In the interview, James and Karla explain what it was like to teach themselves the basics of photography while juggling multiple jobs. They also discuss the process of landing their first book deal and starting an Instagram account. After the interview, Rumaan and co-host Isaac Butler talk about the small businesses in their own communities that enrich their lives. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, James and Karla explain how neighborhoods can change and evolve responsibly. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to the multitalented singer/songwriter Yola. In the interview Yola breaks down her songwriting process from the first seed of an idea to the final product. She also discusses her forthcoming album, Stand for Myself, and the collaborative work that went into it. After the interview Isaac and co-host June Thomas marvel at Yola’s intuitive songwriting style. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Yola talks about her musical influences and her upcoming tour. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas. In the interview, Jose discusses the origins of a piece he wrote for the New York Times Magazine titled “My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant.” He also talks about his organization, Define American, which aims to influence how immigrants are depicted on TV, in movies, and on the national stage broadly. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler talk about which groups are still not represented adequately on TV and in movies. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Jose lists his favorite books about immigration and citizenship. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to intimacy coordinator and director Marcus Watson, who oversees the performance of intimate scenes for film, TV, and theater. In the interview, Marcus discusses the increasing prevalence of his role in recent years, especially since the beginning of the #metoo movement. He also details the conversations he has with performers and directors in order to establish boundaries for scenes that involve things like kissing and simulated sex. After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss the awkwardness of performing and directing intimate scenes. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Marcus talks about how his job has affected the way he watches movies and TV shows. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Cheyna Roth.Listeners can read Isaac’s article about Owen Wilson here: https://slate.com/culture/2021/06/owen-wilson-loki-mobius-actor-sadness-addiction.htmlIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and the Culture Gabfest—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host June Thomas talks to Spanish-language journalist and broadcaster León Krauze, who works primarily as a local news anchor in Los Angeles but also hosts a radio show and writes for outlets like Slate and the Washington Post. In the interview, León discusses the process of figuring out which topics and stories matter most to his community. He also describes what it’s like to have a hyperlocal focus and explains why his Los Angeles broadcast might differ from Spanish-language news in other parts of the country. After the interview, June and co-host Rumaan Alam discuss the skill it takes to be bilingual, and they reflect on a point León made about the difference between audio and visual media. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, León shares some of the biggest misconceptions about the Latinx community in the U.S. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and the Culture Gabfest—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Isaac Butler talks with Joi McMillon, an award-winning film editor and longtime collaborator with filmmaker Barry Jenkins. Her latest project, The Underground Railroad, tells the story of a woman’s escape from a Georgia plantation in the 1800s. They talk about how McMillon came to be an editor, her approach to her work, what it’s like to edit the same scene over and over again, and how she gets through it.Afterward, Isaac and co-host Rumaan Alam discuss what they found most surprising about the interview and discuss how they plan to implement Joi’s tactics into their own work.Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] production by Morgan Flannery.HostIsaac Butler Follow @Working on Twitter /Slate Working on Facebook / Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week host Rumaan Alam talks to literary magazine editor Brigid Hughes, who started her career as an intern with the Paris Review and went on to be its executive editor before leaving and starting her own magazine, A Public Space. In the interview, Brigid explains what the editor of a literary magazine does and how she works with authors to unearth the story “underneath” the story. She also discusses how literary magazines can help new authors find an audience. After the interview Rumaan and co-host June Thomas talk about the importance of good editors. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Brigid Hughes tells the story of how she came across the work of writer Bette Howland and decided to print some of Howland’s unpublished work. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and the Culture Gabfest—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show, Working producer Cameron Drews talks to Erin Tomasello, casting director for the Netflix reality show The Circle. In the interview, Erin explains what it’s like to work on the casting team for shows like The Bachelor, Fear Factor, America’s Got Talent, and more. Then she discusses the casting process for The Circle and lays out what she and the casting producers are looking for in potential contestants. She also offers tips for anyone who’s thinking about applying to be on the show (which you can do at thecirclecasting.com). After the interview, co-hosts June Thomas and Isaac Butler talk to Cameron about the rise of politeness and good sportsmanship on reality shows, and then Cameron asks June and Isaac for some creative advice. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Erin talks about how she got into reality show casting and what it’s like to work as a freelancer in the TV industry. Podcast production by Cameron Drews.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and the Culture Gabfest—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.