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How I Write

David Perell
Writing
Storytelling
Writing Process
Creativity
Character Development
Artificial Intelligence
Creative Writing
Poetry
Copywriting
Love
Crypto Confidential
Creative Process
Youtube
Emotional Writing
David Foster Wallace
Memoir Writing
Education
The Pathless Path
Comedy
China

Before book sales and PR buzz, your favorite writers began with two things: the blank page and an idea. Each week on How I Write, we go behind-the-scenes with today’s top writers to uncover the meta-mechanics of writing and the lifestyle behind it. You’ll be the first to hear writers deconstruct their creative process: from banging their head on the keyboard to marking the last period of their fin... more

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This episode is presented by Wispr Flow, a tool that turns voice notes into clear writing. I use it every day and recommend it to every writer I know. Try it for free at ref.wisprflow.ai/howiwrite

Andrew Stanton was the second animator at Pixar, and... more

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This episode is presented by Wispr Flow, a tool that turns voice notes into clear writing. I use it every day and recommend it to every writer I know. Try it for free at ref.wisprflow.ai/howiwrite

Michael Pollan is one of my all-time favorite nonfic... more

This episode is presented by Wispr Flow, a tool that turns voice notes into clear writing. I use it every day and recommend it to every writer I know. Try it for free at ref.wisprflow.ai/howiwrite

Andrew Hunter Murray is a writer, a journalist, and ... more

Noah Hawley has written books, movies, and TV shows like Alien Earth and Fargo. He's been successful not just because he's a talented writer, but also because he's a consummate professional. He's fluent not just in the world of stories and characters... more

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Recent Guests

Noah Hawley
Writer and creator of Fargo, Alien Legion, and other works
Independent/Various (creative projects)
Episode: Noah Hawley: How He Wrote Fargo | How I Write
Suleika Jaouad
New York Times bestselling author and writer
The New York Times
Episode: Suleika Jaouad: NYT Bestselling Author Teaches Writing | How I Write
Tom Segura
Comedian
Comedian (Bad Thoughts, Netflix specials)
Episode: Tom Segura: How to Tell Jokes | How I Write
Maria Popova
Writer and editor of The Marginalian (formerly Brain Pickings)
The Marginalian
Episode: Maria Popova: How to Write Something Truly Wise | How I Write
Yann Martel
Author, Life of Pi
Episode: Yann Martel: Life of Pi Author Reveals His Writing Process | How I Write
Anne Lamott
Author of Bird by Bird and other works; guest on the episode
Author
Episode: Anne Lamott Teaches Unforgettable Writing | How I Write
Tish Rabe
Renowned children's book author who wrote Dr. Seuss licensed books and later started her own publishing
Tish Rabe Books
Episode: Tish Rabe: How to Write Children’s Books | How I Write
David Gelb
Filmmaker, known for Jiro Dreams of Sushi and Chef's Table
Episode: David Gelb: How to Write Cinematically | How I Write
Patrick Radden Keefe
Staff writer at The New Yorker and author of multiple non-fiction books
The New Yorker
Episode: Patrick Radden Keefe: How to Write Captivating Stories | How I Write

Host

David Perell
Host of How I Write, guides the interview and prompts topics of writing craft

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 369 ratings
  • Keep the female writers coming

    Great insightful

    conversations about the world of writing. David is a great interviewer. Appears he has also listened to reviews and is smartly interviewing more female writers. Keep the

    female writers coming!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    bookjacketsandjeans
    United Statesa month ago
  • Thank you

    I stumbled upon this podcast by accident and it has since become my main source for writing inspiration✨ Thank you David for your deeply thought provoking interviews with world class writers I love each and every episode!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tehla Jane✨
    Australiaa month ago
  • How men write

    2026 to date:

    15 men, 0 women

    2025:

    37 men, 7 women.

    Tells me all I need to know.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    B Ryan O'Meara
    United States2 months ago
  • Where are the women writers?

    Some good content, but the host’s seemingly total disinterest in featuring the perspectives of women make this an unfollow for me.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    wolex17894
    United States3 months ago
  • More women?

    Honestly, I didn’t dock stars for it, but the impression one gets of writers today—looking exclusively at who is being interviewed on this podcast—is that they’re 85%+ men. This is not true if you look at the numbers. The choice to have a woman here or there on the podcast, every once in awhile, sends an odd message. That being said, the content is solid. And I do wonder if the audience that this podcast is aimed at would care about the gender disparity?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lrrrrr88
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, regarded as a top resource for writers seeking real-world craft and process insights.
Criticism centers on perceived host interruptions and balance of guest perspectives.
Many reviewers commend the show's consistently high-quality guests and practical craft guidance.
Listeners praise the depth and actionable insights for writers of all levels.
Some listeners desire more female and diverse voices among guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#112
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#54
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#118
Canada/Education
Apple Podcasts
#102
Australia/Education
Apple Podcasts
#163
Indonesia/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#27
Ireland/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Maria Popova: How to Write Something Truly Wise | How I Write
Q: How do you view the role of the reader and the concept of 'suffering' in art?
Popova argues that suffering is not a compulsory prerequisite for creativity; instead, transformation arises through incremental, disciplined work, presence, and authentic engagement with material and life, with art serving as a vehicle for meaning rather than a display of turmoil.
Maria Popova: How to Write Something Truly Wise | How I Write
Q: What is the relationship between poetry and science in your practice?
She explains that poetry and science are complementary; poetry opens back doors of consciousness to access experiences not easily named by analysis, while science provides disciplined methods for engaging with reality, together expanding how we understand truth and meaning.
Maria Popova: How to Write Something Truly Wise | How I Write
Q: How did your approach to archives shape The Marginalian and your writing process?
Popova discusses using primary sources, diaries, and letters as foundations for her work, practicing a research-heavy, long-form approach rather than relying on quick summaries, and viewing archives as a living repository that informs her sense of time, memory, and meaning.
David Gelb: How to Write Cinematically | How I Write
Q: Tell me about character and how you've chosen to focus on character and bring individual people to life.
Gelb explains that the process begins with identifying a central character, then letting their origin story and personal journey guide the narrative, with long interviews and intimate access that reveal motivations and vulnerabilities, ultimately using the character's arc to shape the structure and themes of the piece.
Tish Rabe: How to Write Children’s Books | How I Write
Q: How do you think about beginning, middle, and end when you plan a book, especially with a three-act rhythm and a potential ending that motivates the page turns?
She discusses structuring stories around beginning, middle, and end, ensuring emotional investment early, and using page turns to maximize suspense and engagement for different age groups, including examples from her work with African themes and the Rotary Club collaboration.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About How I Write

What is How I Write about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show features long-form conversations with leading writers and creators about the craft of writing, storytelling, and the realities of producing work across media. Guests range from novelists and journalists to filmmakers and comedians, who dissect processes like outlining, drafting, scene construction, character development, and editing. Across episodes, practical techniques, workflow philosophies, and the tension between artistic vision and commercial demands are explored, often with tips relevant to aspiring writers, editors, and content creators. A notable edge is the breadth of guests—from screenwriters to memoirists and documentary filmmakers—paired with a clear emphasis on actionable craft and daily writing practice, making it a ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to How I Write?

These podcasts share a similar audience with How I Write:

1. Writers on Writing
2. The Knowledge Project
3. Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
4. Deep Questions with Cal Newport
5. Writer's Routine

How many episodes of How I Write are there?

How I Write launched 3 years ago and published 126 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on How I Write?

Recent guests on How I Write include:

1. Noah Hawley
2. Suleika Jaouad
3. Tom Segura
4. Maria Popova
5. Yann Martel
6. Anne Lamott
7. Tish Rabe
8. David Gelb

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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