How I Write

Riva Tez, a free-thinking writer with a passion for philosophy and poetry, dives into the depths of consciousness and creativity. She critiques modern media consumption, advocating for deep reading and introspection. Riva discusses the significance of authenticity in creative expression and the role of emotional depth in writing. Emphasizing the balance between subtlety and maximalism in art, she explores Istanbul's cultural tapestry as a metaphor for blending ideas. Listeners will feel inspired to embrace their individuality and challenge societal norms.

Sam Parr, a master copywriter and the brains behind The Hustle and My First Million podcast, shares his journey of turning writing into a lucrative business. He reveals how he leveraged viral content and innovative strategies to grow his newsletter from 150,000 to 1.7 million subscribers. Sam discusses the art of compelling copywriting, the importance of catchy headlines, and building trust with audiences. He also dives into the significance of storytelling techniques and nurturing a unique writing community for success.

In this discussion, Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape and tech visionary, shares his wealth of knowledge on writing in the digital age. He highlights the transformative power of writing during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Marc explores creativity in remote work, the artistry of coding, and the evolution of online comment culture. He also addresses the importance of curating meaningful content on social media, intertwining technology with human expression. Prepare for a deep dive into Silicon Valley history with a sprinkle of book recommendations!

Ava Huang, a talented writer celebrated for her intimate and honest prose, shares her insights into the emotional landscapes of writing. She discusses the challenge of expressing happiness compared to deeper emotions and the art of crafting relatable narratives. Ava emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of writing, the importance of consistency in practice, and how personal experiences fuel creativity. She also highlights the balance between authenticity and audience resonance, making it clear that writing is a deeply personal and transformative journey.

Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby and author known for his unique insights, shares his thoughts on writing, creativity, and life. He delves into the journey of documenting wisdom in a posthumous autobiography and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping our identities. Sivers discusses the delicate balance between quality and quantity in writing, calling for simplicity and clarity. He also highlights the power of connection, urging writers to reach out and express gratitude, fostering growth and community in the creative process.

Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine and a renowned tech writer, dives into the complexities of writing and creativity. He shares his preference for editing over writing and discusses the importance of originality in engaging readers. Kelly explains how collaboration fuels creativity and highlights the value of finding one's unique voice. He reflects on fame's dual edges, revealing its impact on identity. With insights from his latest book, he emphasizes writing as a tool for clarity and personal expression.

Lulu Cheng Meservey, EVP of Corporate Affairs at Activision Blizzard and author of the newsletter "Flack," offers a fresh perspective on corporate communication. She discusses the pitfalls of jargon and stresses the essence of relatable narratives in messaging. Lulu shares insights on handling crisis communications with a personal touch and critiques the media's reaction to new platforms like Substack. Her unique writing process highlights the value of authenticity and diverse reading, making a compelling case for clear, impactful communication.

Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his elegant economic and cultural commentary, dives into the multifaceted world of writing. He discusses the importance of clarity in communication and the mystical process of creativity, balancing solitude with collaboration. Derek also explores the 'moneyballification' of culture, reflecting on algorithm-driven content versus authentic creativity. He emphasizes emotional expression, the art of naming, and the joy of writing, offering insights that inspire aspiring storytellers to engage their audiences with authenticity.

Jimmy Soni, an author and speechwriter known for his insightful biographies, dives into the world of writing with rich anecdotes. He reveals the importance of 'writing upwards' to connect complex ideas with readers. Soni shares his fascination with high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, drawing parallels between discipline in writing and sports. He emphasizes the value of thorough research, mentorship, and the art of transforming ideas into compelling narratives, while also exploring the necessity of 'productive discomfort' for personal growth.

The Cultural Tutor, an anonymous writer who soared to 1.5 million Twitter followers in just 15 months, shares his journey from humble beginnings to social media fame. He delves into the importance of daily writing habits versus productivity pressure, and how both handwriting and typing affect creative expression. The conversation touches on navigating the vast information landscape of today’s digital age, the enduring value of classic literature, and the balance between authenticity and the demands of online visibility.