Samuel D. Hunter (left) talks about authoring The Whale, starring Brendan Fraser (right).( Josiah Bania, A24)

It's been a busy year for Sam Hunter, the writer and playwright who grew up in Moscow, Idaho. His award-winning play "The Whale" came out on the big screen starring Brendan Fraser, who took home the Oscar for the role of Charlie.

Our Morning Edition host George Prentice sat down with Hunter to talk more about his roots and how his work is inspiring new generations of writers.