I'd read them all Jesse. I'm not sure non-writers appreciate the extent to which choosing and starting are often the hardest parts. Two shares from me: you surely listen to Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out? Let's set up a keynote joke writers room where we workshop our new material - perhaps you already have one? Can I join onetime? And Alicia McKay has written a lengthy article on AI - worth a look - heavily researched and insightful - it's on Substack called What the AI bros won't tell you.
Thank you Sacha! Yes love Birbigs! He and Ira Glass together are superb. I'll look up Alicia and now have a two month break between gigs so free to workshop or just coffee!
A great mix of entertainment and insight, thanks, Jesse. As I read, I was hoping that you would wrap up by revealing one that did work for you rather than ten that didn't. But of course you did - #10 would then have been "I have a lovely book of essays called Forty-One False Starts, by Janet Malcolm..." and press repeat.
😁 Excellent! Only familiar with Clive James for his interviews, so must bookmark his writing for the future.
It is interesting to get a look behind the WHYs of what people CHOOSE to share (or not) in writing - poisonous vitriol on FB or beautiful prose in various formats. Most of my writing was reporting (to a boss) or newsletter items relating events, so pretty much dictated WHAT & WHY I was writing. However, arguments for legal-adjacent support, or Submissions to govt bills (most of my writing lately!) both require a lot of abandoned "work" which may be the best of the lot but won't advance the cause being advocated for or against.
Chiming in as a regular reader: I think this is one of your best pieces yet! Just the right amount of everything. Keep up the amazing mahi.
Thank you Catherine!
This is really great Jesse! An enjoyable read per usual.
Number 11 is going to be a winner.
I'd read them all Jesse. I'm not sure non-writers appreciate the extent to which choosing and starting are often the hardest parts. Two shares from me: you surely listen to Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out? Let's set up a keynote joke writers room where we workshop our new material - perhaps you already have one? Can I join onetime? And Alicia McKay has written a lengthy article on AI - worth a look - heavily researched and insightful - it's on Substack called What the AI bros won't tell you.
Thank you Sacha! Yes love Birbigs! He and Ira Glass together are superb. I'll look up Alicia and now have a two month break between gigs so free to workshop or just coffee!
Killer format. Very well played
I liked Clive James best. Carry on please
A great mix of entertainment and insight, thanks, Jesse. As I read, I was hoping that you would wrap up by revealing one that did work for you rather than ten that didn't. But of course you did - #10 would then have been "I have a lovely book of essays called Forty-One False Starts, by Janet Malcolm..." and press repeat.
Your #6: AI Apocalypse I suspect traces back to one of the incredible conversations between Daniel Schmachtenberger and Nate Hagens, probably at https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_P8PLHvZygo&t=865s (be warned: a 3-hour brain boot camp).
Oh dear, I just ignored your warning and read the New York Times story.
😁 Excellent! Only familiar with Clive James for his interviews, so must bookmark his writing for the future.
It is interesting to get a look behind the WHYs of what people CHOOSE to share (or not) in writing - poisonous vitriol on FB or beautiful prose in various formats. Most of my writing was reporting (to a boss) or newsletter items relating events, so pretty much dictated WHAT & WHY I was writing. However, arguments for legal-adjacent support, or Submissions to govt bills (most of my writing lately!) both require a lot of abandoned "work" which may be the best of the lot but won't advance the cause being advocated for or against.