What are intrusive thoughts—and what are you supposed to do with them as a writer?
In this episode of the podcast, Jacob Krueger explores intrusive thoughts not as a psychological obstacle, but as a powerful creative tool. Because the real challenge of writing isn’t eliminating distraction—it’s learning how to transform what interrupts you into inspiration. ... Show More
Yesterday
Kat Khavari: Character, Voice, Creative Audacity
As writer, actor, and Sundance-winning creator Kathreen Khavari joins the Jacob Krueger Studio faculty, Jake sits down with her for a candid conversation about voice, character, creative audacity, and the art of paying attention. From overheard subway conversations to guerrilla f ... Show More
46m 30s
May 11
Beef Season 2: Metaphor, Engine, and Breaking the Rules
How do you reinvent a TV series without breaking its engine? Jacob Krueger breaks down Beef Season 2 to explore one of the most difficult balancing acts in screenwriting: evolving a show's engine without alienating your audience. At first, the second season of Beef appears to del ... Show More
47m 46s
Apr 12
Dying for Sex: A Lesson in Tone
How do you make a devastating story feel funny—without losing its truth? In this episode of the podcast, Jacob Krueger explores Dying for Sex, the extraordinary limited series created by Elizabeth Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock, to break down one of the most elusive tools in scree ... Show More
1h 35m
Aug 2025
261 | Clarity, Subtext, and Want vs. Need: Kaz Firpo on Crafting Great Screenplays
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so In this episode, Meg and Lorien sit down with Kaz Firpo (Marvel’s ETERNALS, RUIN) to talk about the timeless craft lessons that make a great screenplay. From writing scenes that still land without sound, to creating emotional cla ... Show More
1h 18m
Nov 2021
“Comic Cowardice or False Power” (with Lucy Prebble)
In the third episode of the podcast (corresponding with Season 3, Episode 3, “The Disruption,”) Kara Swisher and Succession Executive Producer Lucy Prebble talk about how the writers of the show walk the line between tragedy and comedy. We hear how Succession creator Jesse Armstr ... Show More
39m 11s
Dec 2023
DZ-106: How do you know if you have enough story?
Listen you're not sure whether your idea has enough fuel for 90 pages. In this episode, Chas, Stu and Mel attempt to answer a listener question: “In your own pre-writing process, how do you know you have enough for a feature? And do you have a specific pre-writing method you're g ... Show More
1h 36m
Aug 2025
260 | From Barf Draft to Next Draft: 5 Steps to Take Now
Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so In this episode, Meg and Lorien dive into a messy, magical stage of screenwriting: the barf draft — your first unfiltered pass at a script. They share how to tackle chaos on the page, whether your draft is too long, too short, to ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2024
An Editing Round Table Of Emmy Contenders!
Maura Corey is the picture editor of Gen V, a satire about young adult superheroes. Walter Schulz is the visual effects supervisor behind The Curse, a story about a cursed couple who are part of a reality show. These two creatives share how they got their start, their work proces ... Show More
53m 12s
Jun 2024
How to Get Your Short Out In the World & Write to Your Darkest Instincts
In life, we can’t please everyone. There will be people who “get us” and others who simply don’t. It’s the same when you’re a filmmaker. Your work won’t vibe with everyone who sees it, and that’s totally okay! It’s time to face your fears, give it your all, and create those proje ... Show More
1h 32m