What Honest Writing Can Teach Us with Will Parker Anderson

In this episode, we sit down with writer, editor, and host of The Writer’s Circle podcast, Will Parker Anderson. Will opens up about the intersection of storytelling and vulnerability, holistic masculinity modeled by Jesus, and why real writing—and real life—requires full presence. From discussing confession and shame to the importance of being known in community, this conversation offers wisdom for anyone seeking healing, depth, and the courage to be honest. Will’s pastoral insight and personal honesty will challenge and comfort you.

Takeaways

• The best writing is the overflow of honest living.

• Holistic masculinity is modeled by Jesus—servanthood over dominance.

• We can’t be fully known by God if we hide from people.

• Vulnerability isn’t an event—it’s a habit of letting light in.

• Confession is painful but leads to soul-level relief and formation.

• Mentorship and trusted community are vital for healing.

(00:00) Meet Will Parker Anderson

(02:00) Writing as Overflow of Living

(04:30) Holistic Masculinity as Servanthood

(09:00) Vulnerability in Storytelling and Relationships

(14:00) Why Men Struggle to Tell the Truth

(18:00) You Can’t Be Known By God Without Being Known By Others

(22:00) Healing from Hurt Happens in Relationship

(26:00) The Poison and the Cure Grow Side-by-Side

(30:00) Will’s Story of Confession and Grace

(36:00) The Risk of Vulnerability

(41:00) What Gets Affirmed Gets Repeated

(45:00) Neurobiology of Being Seen and Known

(50:00) Mentorship and Gentle Discipleship

(54:00) Where to Find Will and Writer’s Circle

Keywords

Will Parker Anderson, Three Percent, writing and vulnerability, storytelling, holistic masculinity, servanthood, confession, shame, grace, recovery, writer’s circle, Penguin Random House, Substack, emotional intelligence, community, mentorship, being known, faith and healing, honesty, Jesus, fatherhood, integrity, spiritual formation, trauma recovery, mental health, deconstruction, masculinity and faith, relational healing, writing process