Write About Now

Love em or despise em, the number-one pop songs at any given time reflect the zeitgeist of popular culture and say a ton about how young people consume music. Guest Tom Briehan is a senior editor at Stereogum, where he writes “The Number Ones” column, cataloging the story behind every No. 1 single on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart since 1965. His new book, The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music, singles out the singles that made an indelible mark. He tells the fascinating story of some of those songs, from "The Twist" to "Black Beatles."  Subscribe to my substack Small Talk  Support the show on Patreon

We're taught that anxiety is damaging and painful, and we must eradicate it like a disease, preventing it, medicating it, and overcoming its hold on us. But what if anxiety is actually an evolved advantage that protects us and strengthens our creative powers? That's the radical argument of this week's guest Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and author of Future Tense: Why Anxiety is Good for You (Even If It Feels Bad). Tracy talks about why humans have anxiety, the difference between anxiety and fear, why anxiety feels so awful, the relationship between anxiety and hope, and how to start embracing and appreciating anxiety — rather than worrying about it.    Please subscribe to my substack Small Talk @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast 

Nina Schick, an author and expert in Generative AI, dives into the rapid rise of technologies like ChatGPT and their impact on writing. She discusses how this AI can enhance or threaten the creative landscape and highlights the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content. Nina also explores the geopolitics of AI, emphasizing the importance of human oversight to maintain quality and integrity. Lastly, she encourages writers to adapt to these changes, using AI as a tool rather than viewing it as a foe.

Most of us know very little about our home's history. But for some, finding out who lived there before you and what went on between those walls can be a bone-chilling experience. UK-based writer Matt Blake wrote about such a discovery in a recent story for The Guardian Newly divorced, Blake bought a pretty Victorian house to share with his daughter. But as strange details begin to reveal themselves, he realizes that the home has a dark past.     

We are amidst a pop music revolution largely dictated by an algorithm. Should we be afraid? John Seabrook joins the show to discuss his latest article in The New Yorker, "So You Want to Be a TikTok Star?" TikTok now has over 1 billion users and the app is transforming how artists create and market their music and how we listen to songs — for better and worse. Seabrook has written for the venerable New Yorker for over 30 years, specializing in stories about music, culture, and technology. His book "The Song Machine" detailed how hits were manufactured in the early 2000s, and this article picks up where that story left off. 

Guest @davidhochman is a veteran journalist and founder of Upod Academy, an online writing school for freelancers. On this replay of one of WAN's most popular episodes, David dives into the hacks that writers can incorporate into their daily routines to increase their creativity and skills.  More information on Write About Now @writeaboutnowmedia.com Subscribe to my newsletter @Small Talk on substack Support the show @ patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast

Mindful meditation has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, but many of us don't have the time or patience to make it a regular practice. Guest Jake Eagle says he has the solution - micro-dosing mindfulness. In his new book The Power of AWE, he and co-author Michael Amster, MD, share a simple mindfulness practice that can help you achieve the benefits of meditation in a matter of 20 seconds. For more information: linktr.ee/jonathansmall  

Only 8 percent of us will stick to our New Year's resolutions before the end of the year. Guest Amy Morin says that's because our goals are often too lofty or not specific enough. She offers some smart strategies for making and not breaking resolutions this year that will make you feel better about yourself. Amy is the editor-in-chief of VeryWellMind.com and the author of a series of bestselling books on strategies mentally strong people use. Her TedTalk is one of the most listened to of all time. 

Live from The Bourbon Room in Hollywood, an interview with pop music songwriter Sam Hollander. His new book 21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts details the many spectacular failures he endured until he finally hit it big in his early 40s. Sam has written chart toppers for such artists as Panic! At the Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Katy Perry, Weezer, Jewel, and Train. We spoke in front of a packed crowd about his many mishaps, his music industry rollercoaster ride, and how he writes hit songs despite not being able to play an instrument or read music. With special guest performances by Chris Pierce, Jordan Topf, and Terese Curatolo.  Write About Now @ www.writeaboutnowmedia.com Sign up for my newsletter Small Talk @ https://jonathan856.substack.com/ Support the show on Patreon @ https://www.patreon.com/writeaboutnowpodcast  

Award-winning journalist Sam Quinones tells the terrifying story of how the deadly new synthetic drugs plaguing the country have lead to mental illness and a surge in homelessness across the United States. Quinones has a fascinating book out on the subject called The Least of Us, which chronicles how designer drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl took the place of opiates such as OxyContin and heroin. The powerful drugs are more addictive and lethal than anything we've seen before. Quinones also offers stories of hope as communities come together to combat addiction.