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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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes123Founded3 years ago
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Artwork for How I Write

Latest Episodes

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

Suleika Jaouad says: "If you want to write a good book, write what you don't want others to know about you. But if you want to write a great book, write what you don't want to know about yourself."

She's had a lifelong love for words, ever since she... more

YouTube

Tom Segura, a comedian known for specials like "Completely Normal" and "Sledgehammer", is also the creator of the TV show "Bad Thoughts". He's appeared on "Conan" and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert". Today, he's here to teach us how to write com... more

Maria Popova writes one of the internet's best personal blogs. Originally called "Brain Pickings", it is now known as "The Marginalian". She has published more than 6 million pages of writing there, and it has become such a treasure that the Library ... more

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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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

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 369 ratings
  • 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 States2 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 States3 months ago
  • Good guests, annoying host

    Annoying and self-regarding host, constantly adding little midwit comments. He’d do better to shut up and let the guests hold the floor.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Swede Levov
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Writers

    Best podcast for writers!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Think with Ink
    Mexico6 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners note high-quality conversations and practical takeaways for writing and storytelling.
Many reviews highlight motivation and inspiration from the host and guests alike.
Writers praise the show for smart, actionable craft insights and deep interviews with diverse guests.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#143
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#111
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#144
Canada/Education
Apple Podcasts
#84
Australia/Education
Apple Podcasts
#37
Ireland/Education
Apple Podcasts
#37
Norway/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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Frequently Asked Questions About How I Write

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

This show centers on the craft and discipline of writing, featuring in-depth conversations with acclaimed authors and storytellers. Episodes typically dissect processes like structuring narratives, developing voice, and crafting memorable characters, often tying these craft topics to practical routines, research methods, and the realities of writing for different media. A recurring strength is how guests connect technique to lived practice, offering actionable tips and behind-the-scenes insights that cater to serious writers, students, and professionals alike. A branded element appears in sponsor reads, suggesting a balance between content and creator business tools. The mix of authors across genres and formats makes the program valuable fo... more

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Which podcasts are similar to How I Write?

These podcasts share a similar audience with How I Write:

1. Writer's Routine
2. Writers on Writing
3. Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
4. Conversations with Tyler
5. Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

How many episodes of How I Write are there?

How I Write launched 3 years ago and published 123 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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