
The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 10min
246 | Do I Need to Self-Produce to Sell My Writing? (ft. Emily Brundige)
Emily Brundige was tired of waiting around for gatekeepers to say yes. So, she stopped asking.In this candid conversation with Lorien, Emily shares how her frustration with the traditional hurry-up-and-wait pitch process pushed her to self-produce an animated short. That project — born from passion, resourcefulness, and a refusal to wait — eventually became GOLDIE, a series now on Apple TV+.They dive into what it actually takes to make your own work, how festivals and buzz helped build momentum, and why animation is such a powerful space for self-starters. If you've ever felt stuck in development limbo, this episode might just give you the spark (and strategy) to make your move.CHECK OUT EMILY'S BOOK HERE: https://www.emilybrundige.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
245 | How To Pivot Genres and "Re-Brand" Yourself As A Writer (ft. Carla Banks-Waddles)
Carla Banks-Waddles, an accomplished writer and producer known for her work on Good Girls and Bel Air, shares her inspiring journey through the diverse worlds of multi-camera comedies and single-camera dramas. She discusses finding balance between personal well-being and creative passion, emphasizing self-care amidst the demands of writing. Carla reflects on the evolution from intern to showrunner, weaving in the importance of growth and adaptation in storytelling. With a touch of humor, she even dives into favorite writing snacks and the quirks of language.

14 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 13min
244 | Brent Forrester's (The Office, The Simpsons) Comedy Writing Masterclass
Brent Forrester, a comedy writer and producer known for hits like The Simpsons and The Office, shares his journey from self-doubt to successful comedy master. He emphasizes the importance of studying comedy like a science and encourages aspiring writers to embrace authenticity. The conversation touches on overcoming challenges in the writing process, the significance of community support, and crafting character-driven humor. With insights from his iconic career, Brent inspires listeners to navigate their creative journeys and tackle self-doubt head-on.

Apr 4, 2025 • 56min
243 | If You've Ever Wanted To Quit Writing, Listen To This.
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soYou are not alone, and keep writing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
Indie Film Craft 1 | Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz (The Peanut Butter Falcon, Los Frikis) Discuss Authentic Collaboration
WATCH LOS FRIKIS: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Los-Frikis/0H49M436MMS223JUKJ26Q95EKJREAD ALONG: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3QojbCeXG11xowk5u6y-RONQhCSguwG/view?usp=drive_linkTyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz are the first to admit "they're not the cool kids." Their widely celebrated debut THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON was bootstrapped by grit, hard work, and a ferocious commitment to making something authentic, and that same spirit fills every frame of their follow-up film, LOS FRIKIS. Like the filmmakers themselves, the movie follows a group of lovable outsiders finding their own way to make beautiful art in a system that opposes it. In today's conversation with Jeffrey Crane Graham, they discuss how filmmaking is like building a house: pre-production is a blueprint, production is about "collecting lumber," and post-production is an act of construction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 25, 2025 • 34sec
ANNOUNCEMENT: New Bonus Spinoff Show For Filmmakers Drops In Feed THURSDAY!
We are launching a brand new monthly BONUS show this Thursday in feed, hosted by our producer Jeffrey Crane Graham. Don't miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 21, 2025 • 60min
242 | Welcome To Wrexham Showrunner John Henion Discusses Theme As A Central Creative Throughline
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soWhether you're on your billionth draft, or stuck in post on a docuseries, finding a connective THEME to tell your story is one of the most valuable ways to create a cohesive and satisfying story. Today's guest, John Henion, understands that better than anyone. His impressive career as an episodic documentary filmmaker includes shows like CHEF'S TABLE and WELCOME TO WREXHAM, but whatever the project may be, John tells us how it always comes down to finding the emotional center of your story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 24min
241 | Bob's Burgers Executive Producers & The Great North Creators Discuss Adult Animation
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://twslworkshops.circle.soThe Molyneux Sisters (BOB’S BURGERS, THE GREAT NORTH) believe that character is at the center of all great comedy. For Wendy and Lizzie, specificity, character quirks, and close observations about the friends (and strangers) around them will always provide the cocktail for a great character. Hear about how these two found their voice, honed their craft, and became important voices in the world of adult animation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 16min
240 | George Saunders' Storytelling Masterclass
In a lively discussion, George Saunders, the Booker Prize-winning author known for his unique storytelling talent and popular Substack, shares his insights on the craft of writing. He explores the delicate dance between creativity and structure, emphasizing the importance of authentic character development. Saunders also reflects on the role of personal experiences in storytelling, drawing inspiration from Lincoln's grief. He candidly addresses challenges like writer's block and the often tricky balance between audience expectations and genuine expression in creative work.

Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 4min
239 | Wicked Co-Writer Dana Fox on Why You're Avoiding Your Writing
In this lively discussion, Hollywood writer Dana Fox, known for her work on 'Cruella' and 'Wicked', candidly admits that writing feels "REALLY torturous" for her. She shares her strategies for overcoming writer's block and the pressures of creative storytelling. Dana dives into the delicate balance of adapting beloved material like 'Wicked' while making it fresh for new audiences. Plus, she reveals the secrets of crafting emotional narratives and impactful dialogue, and navigates the complexities of pitching in the competitive screenwriting world.
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