Working

Latest Episodes:

Working Overtime: Creating Like a Child Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

For this week’s episode of Working Overtime, hosts Nate Chinen and June Thomas press pause on adulthood and explore the creative spirit of childhood. Nate recounts his experience with the late jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, who always strived to get out of his own way and embrace a childlike approach to free expression. They also discuss the popular Australian cartoon Bluey, which often features the themes of suspending judgment and being open to the wildest of ideas.

Do you have a question about creative work? Leave a message at (304) 933-9675 or email us at working@slate.com.

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How a Professional Pen Expert Makes a Living Sep 17, 2023

Show notes

This week, host June Thomas talks to writer and podcaster Brad Dowdy, who makes his living as a pen and stationary enthusiast. In the interview, Brad explains how he was able to quit his full-time job in I.T. and turn his passion into a career. He also breaks down the many facets of his job, from his “Pen Addict” blog and podcast to his newsletter and Twitch streams.

After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss what makes a great pen and how to schedule your days as a freelancer.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Brad explains what “pen shows” are all about.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What an Executive Producer for Film and TV Actually Does Sep 10, 2023

Show notes

NOTE: This interview was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Marian Macgowan, a long-time film and TV producer who recently oversaw production on the Hulu series The Great. In the interview, Marian describes the many varieties of executive producer, from the ones who do a lot of creative work to the ones who “just sit there in the credits.” She also talks about her experience working on The Great, which Isaac calls “the best show on television.”

After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss the best ways to provide feedback to collaborators.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Marian talks about The Great’s elaborate set designs.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working Overtime: Learning From Bad Art Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

For this week’s episode of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas and Isaac Butler acknowledge the painful fact that most art is in fact pretty bad. Yet, just because the play, or painting was poorly constructed does not mean you have to scrub it from your mind. Thinking about how you might have improved the piece, or realizing it was made from a labor of love can often generate new creative ideas of your own and respect for the process.

Do you have a question about creative work? Leave a message at (304) 933-9675 or email us at working@slate.com.

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Harry Styles’ Trombonist Deals With Gigantic Crowds Sep 03, 2023

Show notes

This week, guest-host Nate Chinen talks to Kalia Vandever, a trombonist and bandleader who recently performed alongside Harry Styles in the U.S. and Europe during his “Love on Tour” tour. In the interview, Kalia explains how she got used to performing in front of gigantic, loud, high-energy crowds. She also shares how her experience touring with Harry has informed her solo work.

After the interview, Nate and co-host June Thomas talk about the challenges and learning opportunities that come from moving to a larger stage–literally or figuratively.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Kalia discusses some of her favorite horn sections in popular music.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How an Author and a Translator Collaborate Aug 27, 2023

Show notes

This week, host June Thomas is joined by Latin American writer Carlos Fonseca, the author of multiple critically acclaimed novels, as well as the much-lauded, Spanish-English Megan McDowell. Fonseca and McDowell discuss their continuous working relationship, the creative process of translation itself, and their latest collaboration with the book Austral.

After the interview June is joined by co-host Nate Chinen, for a discussion of the ebb and flow process between complexity and clarity that can exist within a collaborative project.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, June asks Fonseca about why translation is important and the background of how the non-textual elements of his book, were translated.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working Overtime: Why Artists Should Attend Festivals Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

For this week’s episode of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas and Isaac Butler reflect on their times at different arts festivals. Being around like-minded individuals drawn together by an appreciation of art can be inspiring. Even if a festival isn’t physically possible to attend, finding creative groups and online communities can sometimes be just as rewarding.

Do you have a question about creative work? Leave a message at (304) 933-9675 or email us at working@slate.com.

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Novelist on Genre Blending and Sucking Blood Aug 20, 2023

Show notes

For this week’s episode of Working, host Isaac Butler interviews author Daniel Hornsby on his new novel Sucker and his creative process. The author of Via Negativa, Hornsby’s latest tale was spun out of jokes among friends about Elizabeth Holmes being a vampire and Martin Shkreli’s failed foray as punk-rock label owner, for a deeply sardonic salad of tech world billionaires, and campy horror. Butler is also joined by co-host Nate Chinen, to discuss Hornsby’s inspired ways of generating ideas from physically writing drafts in the bar, to exploring the rules of genres.

Do you have a question about creative work? Leave a message at (304) 933-9675 or email us at working@slate.com.

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Hamilton Actor Makes the Role His Own Aug 13, 2023

Show notes

This week, guest-host Nate Chinen talks to Miguel Cervantes, the actor currently playing Alexander Hamilton on Broadway. In the interview, Miguel explains why he’s not trying to mimic or channel the original performances by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He also shares how a personal tragedy changed his life and continues to impact his art.

After the interview, Nate and co-host June Thomas talk about repetition and ritual as tools for creative work.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Miguel tells the story of an embarrassing mishap on stage.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working Overtime: Vacation Like a Pro Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

For this week’s episode of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas and Isaac Butler dive into all the ways creatives should relax and vacation. Whether it’s splashing in the pool, or breezing through some books, a few days of R&R can be just what is needed to replenish the creative juices. The hosts also explore the many conversations among friends and family that can sometimes jostle loose a new creative idea and recharge your relationships.

Do you have a question about creative work? Leave a message at (304) 933-9675 or email us at working@slate.com.

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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