Q: What's the origin story?

• A: One of our favorite things about multidisciplinary residencies like MacDowell is that they create spaces for writers and artists working in different disciplines to come together, share ideas, cross-pollinate, and support one another. We couldn’t find any podcasts where exchanges like that are being curated for public consumption. We decided to create one. 

Q: Who do you interview? 

• A: Traditionally published authors, artists, musicians, composers, performers, etc. ...basically anyone in the arts is eligible.

Q: Do you charge guests?

• A: No. 

Q: Do you pay guests? 

• A: No. 

Q: Do you interview authors who've published with hybrid or vanity presses?

• A: No. 

Q: Do you interview self-published authors?

• A: Rarely. 

Q: Do you take referrals from agents or publicists? 

• A: We're happy to receive referrals from agents and publicists, but we do not schedule intro calls or interviews through third parties. If you're not able to manage your own calendar, we can't trust you to show up for the interview. 

Q: I'd like to come on the podcast. What are next steps?  

• A: We'll start with an intro call. This is a chance for us to get to know each other and discuss how we'll approach your interview. If the intro call goes well and we're interested in moving forward, we'll follow up within seven days to schedule an interview. 

Q: What are some reasons that I might not hear from you after the intro call?   

• A: Some common disqualifying factors include:

  • You don't know how to tell a story or carry a conversation. Our podcast runs on narrative and interaction. No matter how much we edit, we won't be able to make you sound your best if these are missing. 

  • You don't know how to talk about your work in a compelling manner. We're happy to give you a platform to reach a new audience, but it's your responsibility to hook them. 

  • You're not able or willing to talk about your work without invoking a political ideology. Our podcast is strictly nonpartisan. We're interested in you and what you have to offer to the world through your creative practice, not in advancing a political agenda. 

  • You haven't bothered to familiarize yourself with the podcast. This tells us that you don't value your own time enough to make sure the opportunity is a good fit for you. And if you don't value your time, why should we? 

  • You're not able or willing to conduct the necessary tech checks and ensure that you have the equipment you'll need for a successful recording session. Avoidable technical issues are a waste of your time and ours. 

Q: I really want to come on the podcast, but I'm not confident in my storytelling. What should I do? 

• A: Ask us about story coaching. 

Q: How long is the interview?

• A: We schedule 45 minutes. Please plan to be available for the full duration. 

Q: Will you send me questions in advance? 

• A: No. We'll discuss potential angles during the intro call, but the interview itself will be organic and unstructured. 

Q: I’m a visual artist and want your listeners to see my work. Will you publish images with my interview? 

• A: Our podcast is audio-only. If you’d like to share images with our listeners, you are welcome to produce a video showcasing some of your favorite pieces, which we’ll publish on our channel. You can view an example of such a video produced by artist Mark Marello here. Contact us to learn more. 

Q: I'm a composer or musician. Can you play clips of my music during the interview?  

• A: No. We tried this, but issues with copyright and other logistics discouraged us from continuing. The good news is that our listeners are highly engaged. If you talk about your work in a compelling manner, they will seek it out for themselves.  

Q: I have a book coming out next year. Can I reach out the week before the book launch to schedule an interview?

• A: No. We'll be happy to promote your book, but we schedule interviews months in advance. We’ll also need time to edit the interview. Please contact us at least six months before the launch date. 

Q: Can I promote my products or services during my interview?

• A: No. We’re offering you a free opportunity to share your creative practice with a new audience, not to market other products or services. 

Q: Do I need to dress up or wear makeup? 

• A: If it makes you feel good, go right ahead, but the camera will be off. Our interviews are audio-only. 

Q: We're in different time zones, and it's confusing. Help!  

• A: No. We operate on US Central Time. It is your responsibility to convert to your time zone. 

Q: Can I listen to my episode before it's published? 

• A: No. We do not have an efficient means of sharing episodes for review prior to publication. If you fear that you may have said something you regret, let us know within twenty-four hours of the interview so that we can remove it while editing. 

Q: I want to know the exact date that my interview will be published. Can you tell me? 

• A: No. We’re a small team with a long production queue. The standard time from recording to release is a few weeks to a few months, but the production schedule is subject to change. If you want to schedule around a book launch or other event, we’ll work with you to make that happen, but we can’t make any guarantees. 

Q: Can you make changes to my episode after it's published?  

• A: No.  

Q: Geez! Why are you guys so strict?    

• A: You would be, too, if you ran a podcast!

Q: I love what you’re doing (even though you're so strict) and want to support the arts. How can I help? 

• A: Everything helps! Especially the following:  

  • Making a one-time donation through our donation form.

  • Purchasing a subscription to our blog (you’ll also get access to premium content).

  • Subscribing to the podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and Amazon. 

  • Liking, commenting on, and sharing your favorite episodes. 

  • Leaving a review on your favorite podcasting platform.

  • Encouraging your friends in the arts to reach out if they’d like to come on the podcast.