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The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna
Screenwriting
Character Development
Creativity
Writing Process
Collaboration
Storytelling
Creative Process
Austin Film Festival
Hollywood
Conflict
Pixar
Film Industry
The Peanut Butter Falcon
Animation
Comedy Writing
Theme
Filmmaking
TSL Workshops
Imposter Syndrome
Story Engine

Welcome to The Screenwriting Life, a podcast where Oscar-nominated writer Meg LeFauve and Emmy-nominated writer Lorien McKenna discuss not only the craft and business of Screenwriting, but also the emotional life: the ups and downs of being a creative, to remind you that you are not alone and to keep writing.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes307Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
TV & Film

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Artwork for The Screenwriting Life

Latest Episodes

TSL Workshops are one of the two tent poles of The Screenwriting life. Folks a part of the TSL Workshops community participate in two live zooms with Meg and Lorien per month.

One, a Q & A about anything and everything writing and the business and t... more

With the industry in a contraction, writers are trying to figure out how to find steady work.

ENTER - VERTICALS!

Lorien is joined by writer and creator Shelby Farrell who has developed numerous features and verticals. She offers a premium program, ... more

Lorien is joined by Maggie Gottlieb, Sean Presant & David F.M. Vaughn, colleagues and friends from the writers room of the Tabitha Brown led Youtube show, Tab Time.

They get real about the realities of networking in this business and what we should ... more

On this edition of TSL, Meg and Lorien giving a wonderful mix of answers to some phenomenal listener questions, from detailed craft questions, to the business piece and everything in between.

What do you do with your script after you've written it? more

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Recent Guests

Danicah Waldo
Award-winning writer, director, and producer based in New York City
Independent/Film & TV
Episode: 294 | TSL Workshops Check In w/ Danicah Waldo & Emily Roberson
Emily Roberson
Author and screenwriter from Arkansas with a Greek-modern myth retelling background
Independent/Books and TV
Episode: 294 | TSL Workshops Check In w/ Danicah Waldo & Emily Roberson
Shelby Farrell
Screenwriter from Memphis, Tennessee
Freelance/Flipping The Screen
Episode: 293 | The Wild World Of Verticals Feat. Shelby Farrell
Sean Presant
Co-executive producer and showrunner, Tab Time
Tab Time
Episode: 292 | What "Finding Your People" Really Means In This Business w/ Maggie Gottlieb, David F.M. Vaughn & Sean Presant
David FM. Vaughn
Story editor and Emmy-winning writer
Tab Time
Episode: 292 | What "Finding Your People" Really Means In This Business w/ Maggie Gottlieb, David F.M. Vaughn & Sean Presant
Aaron Tracy
TV writer, producer, novelist, audio fiction writer; Yale faculty
Independent/Parallax (audio company)
Episode: 290 | Aaron Tracy On Building An Audio Drama
Jesse Andrews
Novelist and screenwriter
Writer (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl); Pixar collaborator
Episode: 289 | Crafting A High Concept Pixar Film w/ Hoppers Writer Jesse Andrews
Jess Brownell
Bridgerton showrunner and head writer
Shondaland / Bridgerton
Episode: 288 | Bridgerton Showrunner & Head Writer Jess Brownell On The Dazzling Season 4
Joachim Trier
Acclaimed Norwegian film director and co-writer
Film Director
Episode: 287 | Oscar Nominees Joachim Trier And Eskil Vogt On Doing It Your Way

Hosts

Lorien McKenna
Co-host of The Screenwriting Life; long-standing collaborator and industry writer.
Meg LeFauve
Co-host of The Screenwriting Life; veteran screenwriter and author.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.9k ratings
  • Portable Writer's Group

    I love this show, been a listener for years.

    However, I have a hard time staying focused on the show, because as soon as Meg and Lorien start talking my writer brain goes wild!

    The simple act of listening to this show has helped me fix story problems I was having.

    Thanks for such a great problem!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Aiden H R
    Canada2 months ago
  • I need your books!

    Hi Meg and Lorien,

    I heard Meg mention in an episode a few weeks ago that she was writing a novel, and Lorien said in the latest episode with Chandler Baker that she is writing a book. Please let this be true! I really need to read books written by both of you. I would love to hear about your experiences writing in a different medium. I really hope I get to see your novels on bookshelves in Spain very soon.

    Thanks again for the podcast and for everything you do for the writing community.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pori00
    Spain3 months ago
  • Great Hosts

    The hosts of this show are great! However, they need to thoroughly vet the integrity of their guests. I am quite familiar with one featured individual. Who is reminiscent of a middle-aged Jojo Siwa! Hollywood’s motto, “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know, and if they like you!” This can only serve someone’s career in the short term. Because it’s the viewing public who determines the longevity of any imposter. They support the entertainment industry with their money! Thank You.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    M.I.WOLF
    United States3 months ago
  • Great Hosts

    The hosts of this show are great! However, they need to thoroughly vet the integrity of their guests. I am quite familiar with one featured individual. Who is reminiscent of a middle-aged Jojo Siwa! Hollywood’s motto, “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know, and if they like you!” However, this can only serve someone’s career in the short term. Because it’s the viewing public who determines the longevity of any imposter. They support the entertainment industry with their money! Thank ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    M.I.WOLF
    United States3 months ago
  • Inspiring podcast

    One of my favorite podcasts! I find so much inspiration in every episode. The content, knowledge and support that Meg and Lorien provide is always astounding. I come away wanting to be a better writer, and a bit more confident that I can achieve that. And even if I falter, I know that I am in good company. Truly wonderful and highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DaisyCanDo
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Hosts' warmth and camaraderie are consistently noted as a strength.
Feedback highlights the show's uplifting, mentorship-like atmosphere for writers at all levels.
Some listeners comment on the hosts' interview balance and engagement with guests.
Listeners praise practical tips and encouragement for writers.
Guests are described as insightful and relevant to a broad range of screenwriting interests.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#228
Canada/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#244
United Kingdom/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#164
Germany/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#218
France/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#18
Saudi Arabia/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#33
Ukraine/TV & Film

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

293 | The Wild World Of Verticals Feat. Shelby Farrell
Q: What are verticals and how do they differ from traditional TV storytelling?
Verticals are mobile-first, often 9:16, emotionally driven mini-dramas where the story is told through fast-paced visuals and moments; while some have a plot, the core driver is emotion and reaction, built in cycles rather than a strict three-act structure.
291 | MAILBAG! Meg And Lorien Answer YOUR Questions
Q: How do you maintain momentum when you have no external validation or deadlines?
Decide to push through, enlist a friend or group as a cheerleader, and keep returning to a fresh idea or project to re-energize yourself; community and structured feedback help sustain momentum.
290 | Aaron Tracy On Building An Audio Drama
Q: What is your proudest career moment to date?
Being approached by the Criterion Collection to use an interview I did with Jules Pfeiffer as a bonus on Carnal Knowledge, which led to being included in the Criterion Collection—an acknowledgment that felt incredibly meaningful.
290 | Aaron Tracy On Building An Audio Drama
Q: What advice would you give your younger self about approaching meetings and opportunities?
Treat every meeting like a purposeful opportunity rather than a general networking session, come with ideas and loglines, and be ready to follow up with a three-pager to move projects into development.
290 | Aaron Tracy On Building An Audio Drama
Q: What brings you the most joy when it comes to your writing?
The joy often comes from discovering a small, unique factual detail during research that instantly sparks a scene, making the script feel alive and self-writing, as the gem you find can illuminate an entire sequence.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Screenwriting Life

What is The Screenwriting Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A craft- and career-focused conversation series led by two established screenwriters who also host a collaborative, mentor-like vibe. Episodes spotlight high-profile guests from film and television, exploring the writing process, collaboration, and the emotional life of writers—from breaking into the industry and managing notes to navigating motherhood, work-life balance, and creative risk. The conversations balance practical craft tips with personal storytelling, mentorship, and industry realities, often highlighting partnership, creative ecosystems, and the importance of perseverance. A standout element is the emphasis on emotional honesty and vulnerability in writing, which helps listeners feel seen and supported while chasing ambitious ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Screenwriting Life?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Screenwriting Life:

1. Scriptnotes Podcast
2. Script Apart with Al Horner
3. The No Film School Podcast
4. The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast
5. IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit

How many episodes of The Screenwriting Life are there?

The Screenwriting Life launched 6 years ago and published 307 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Screenwriting Life?

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What guests have appeared on The Screenwriting Life?

Recent guests on The Screenwriting Life include:

1. Danicah Waldo
2. Emily Roberson
3. Shelby Farrell
4. Sean Presant
5. David FM. Vaughn
6. Aaron Tracy
7. Jesse Andrews
8. Jess Brownell

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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