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The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna
Screenwriting
Character Development
Creativity
Collaboration
Writing Process
Storytelling
Austin Film Festival
Creative Process
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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes310Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
TV & Film

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Artwork for The Screenwriting Life

Latest Episodes

Mortal Kombat II is out in theaters this weekend!

Joe Forte chats with writer Jeremy Slater about taking on the second installment of an iconic video game turned film franchise.

With so many characters and plot points to navigate, fight sequences t... more

This week we have an old school Meg and Lorien dive deep into the life and world of screenwriting.

The day to day life stuff.

The bucket of S*it stuff.

The things that swirl in your head stuff.

And the, "I still have to write" stuff.

If you want... more

Lorien and Meg have asked numerous guests the same important questions, What are the elements of a good scene?

You will hear different ideas from the industries best including:

Melissa Rosenberg (Dexter)

Derek Kolstad (John Wick)

Maggie Lane & Er... more

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

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Melissa Rosenberg
Head writer of Dexter
Dexter (TV)
Episode: 295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT
Jesse Andrews
Writer behind Hoppers and Luca
Hoppers/Luca
Episode: 295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT
Alex Woo
Writers/Directors behind In Your Dreams
In Your Dreams
Episode: 295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT
Erik Benson
Writers/Directors behind In Your Dreams
In Your Dreams
Episode: 295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT
Maggie Lane
Writer for Hotel For The Holidays
Hotel For The Holidays
Episode: 295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT
Eric Jarboe
Producer on Falling For Christmas and The Princess Switch
The Princess Switch/ Falling For Christmas
Episode: 295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT
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

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
  • Lost its Spark

    I’ve been a longtime listener and participant on the Circle + FB communities. I know I share this sentiment with other listeners, as we’ve been talking offline about it. The show just isn’t what it used to be. If you’ve been listening for awhile you remember when it felt more authentic - like friends chatting and commiserating over the wins and trenches of this craft. Over the last few months, it’s felt like the guests, interviews and conversations are forced and the hosts have lost their authen... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    RomComWriter65
    United States20 days ago
  • Craft + industry reality, in equal measure

    I’ve been on a five year journey developing my TV series pilot and this show has been my constant companion. Meg and Lorien don’t just talk craft, they give you real industry talk, the kind you’d only get if you had a seasoned mentor in your corner. I keep a running note on my iPhone of highlights from episodes and guests that I come back to regularly. Essential listening for anyone breaking into, or continuously navigating Hollywood.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Aimee Christina
    United Statesa month ago
  • 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
    Canada3 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

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
#200
United Kingdom/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#219
Canada/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#55
Italy/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#47
Chile/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#72
Philippines/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#84
South Africa/TV & Film

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT
Q: What are the elements of a good scene?
A good scene centers on the characters' wants, obstacles, and the change they experience, with the scene driving the larger plot forward and, in comedy, maintaining specific tonal and rhythm goals such as keeping the audience engaged with a few well-placed jokes.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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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. IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit
5. The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

How many episodes of The Screenwriting Life are there?

The Screenwriting Life launched 6 years ago and published 310 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. Melissa Rosenberg
2. Jesse Andrews
3. Alex Woo
4. Erik Benson
5. Maggie Lane
6. Eric Jarboe
7. Danicah Waldo
8. Emily Roberson

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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