Ever wondered what it’s like to send Nicolas Cage on a quest for a stolen truffle pig or craft a post-apocalyptic studio blockbuster? Writer and director Michael Sarnoski is here to share all the details on how he blends subtle darkness with authentic humane connection. Join us as Michael takes us through the writing process of "Pig" and "A Quiet Place: Day One," working on a studio franchise, vomit drafts, finding his unique voice on the page, and advice to emerging writers. Plus, we tackle his next project, which stars Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer.

A Quiet Place: Day One is now available to rent or buy on VOD.

Pig (2021)

For more visit: Story Summit

This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

The time has finally come. The Master of Horror himself, Mick Garris, is here.

Writer, director, producer, and frequent Stephen King collaborator, Mick is the mind behind The Stand, The Shining, Sleepwalkers, and Desperation (not to mention Hocus Pocus and Masters of Horror). He stops by to talk about his journey from writing at 12 to becoming one of the genre’s most iconic voices.

We get into how he approaches spec scripts, what fuels his creativity, and how a gig with Steven Spielberg led to a career working with the biggest names in horror. And yes—his Post Mortem finale with Quentin Tarantino. We go there.

This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

Visit: StorySummit.us.

YES, CHEF! Today on the menu: Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, story editor and writer on FX’s The Bear! When she’s writing for Gaslit (Starz) and The Dropout (Hulu), she’s crafting her upcoming play, This Party Sucks. Let's go behind the scenes of The Bear, talk writers’ room dynamics, breaking into the industry, and what keeps her coming back to the blank page.

This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

Did someone say Greased Lightning? On this episode of Living to Write, Hollywood legend and T-bird himself, Randal Kleiser, joins the show to chat about a career that spans Grease, The Blue Lagoon, and White Fang.

We dig into his new book, Drawing Directors, his early days working with George Lucas, and the encounters with filmmakers who shaped his path. We also look at the lasting cultural impact of Grease, follow up on how directors choose projects, and ask what keeps a filmmaker inspired after decades in Hollywood.

It’s a conversation about filmmaking, lessons learned, and how to survive Hollywood with your sanity mostly intact.

For more information on Story Summit, visit Story Summit.

This episode is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

Welcome to Bailey Meets World! (IYKYK) This time on Living to Write, Bailey and Brian chat with Emmy-winning writer, producer, and director Mark Blutman, known for Boy Meets World, Girl Meets World. We discuss writing, the legacy of Boy Meets World, top-notch poutine (because priorities), and what every new emerging writer truly needs to hear. Plus, we cover his latest projects, thoughts on the WGA strike, and classic Feeny wisdom.

• Follow Mark on Twitter @BlutmanMark.
• Check out the latest on the WGA contract and join the Story Summit Facebook writing group. For more on Story Summit, visit Story Summit.

"Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good." — Mr. Feeny

On this episode of Living to Write, we’re hanging with the insanely talented Jessica Welsh— fellow Story Summit Summiteer and the mind behind Shania!, the spec script that lit up the 2021 Black List. We dive into her journey, life in the Apple TV writers’ room, and her insider take on the 2023 writers' strike. Plus, the ultimate screenwriter showdown: is outlining essential or just a creativity killer? Buckle up.

Keep up with Jessica: https://jessica-welsh.com

For more information on Story Summit, visit Story Summit.

This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

“Writers don’t sell scripts hiding behind laptops.”

This time on Living to Write, we’re joined by the wildly versatile Spyder Dobrofsky— Hallmark Christmas movie mastermind turned horror-western gunslinger with Teardrop on Tubi.

We talk about his journey, his directorial debut (Down Below), and that time he ended up on The Jay Leno Show. The highs, the challenges, and what it really takes to make it in this industry.

Follow Spyder on Twitter @SpyderDobrofsky for updates on Down Below.

For more on Story Summit, visit Story Summit.

Produced by Brian Landwehr & Bailey Patterson.

Welcome to the very first episode of Living to Write! And we’re kicking things off with a legend—Jeff Arch, Oscar-nominated screenwriter of Sleepless in Seattle and author of Attachments.

We dive into the wild story of how Sleepless sold, the comedy gig that almost changed everything, and Jeff’s creative process. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories, hard-earned wisdom, and what it’s like mentoring Brian and Bailey (spoiler: chaos).

Jeff's novel "Attachments": Amazon

Story Summit Writing Group: Facebook

This episode is produced by Brian Landwehr, Kenton Edward Dobrowolski and Bailey Patterson. For more information visit Story Summit.