In this episode of New Material, Herbert and Hamza kick off by exploring nicknames and self-created monikers. They discuss the prevalence of big personalities in their favorite genre of music, hip hop, before diving into their creative journeys. Hamza reflects on his recent professional setbacks and the value of vulnerability in writing, and how his practice of writing every day is progressing. Herbert discusses his private journaling practice and the distinction between that and his public blog posts, as well as concern for others involved and maintaining privacy. Hamza challenges Herbert to publish something from his inner sanctum, noting how a couple of his recent blog posts started as raw journal entries. They issue each other a creative challenge: by January 15th, both will publish something from their private journals that feels slightly uncomfortable. The conversation explores how, sometimes, true creative expression sometimes requires showing teeth, referencing Anthony Bourdain's candid writing and Timothy Chalamet's fearless portrayal in Marty Supreme.

Useful links:

• Supreme Fiending: A Fate Heist Too Far (via Hamza’s blog)
  Out of the comfort zone (via Herbert’s blog)