The Other 51

Best-selling author and noted ruckus maker Seth Godin joins Brian this week. They talk about the importance of not only writing every day but publishing every day, what school should teach students, and why work is always the answer. Seth explains to Brian why the recording of Kind of Blue can be compared to writing, why he benefits from writing every day, and why books are the perfect technology. Seth is one of Brian’s favorite people on the internet. This was a fun episode to do.

In the first-ever bonus track, Ellie Moritz (episode 21) interviews Amy Moritz (episode 24)

Brian’s origin story as a reporter and writer is an easy one — his older sister is a writer and reporter, so of course he wanted to do it to. But what’s Amy Moritz’s origin story? Sitting in Brian’s kitchen, they talk about how their grandma taught them how information is power, how their mom’s love of books made reading an important part of their lives, and the moment Amy realized she could be a sports writer. Amy also provides an in-depth look at life as a sports writer at The Buffalo News and why Bob Huggins loves Buffalo (and doesn’t wear a tie). They also (eventually) get around to talking about Amy’s current book project.

Molly Knight, bestselling author of “The Best Team Money Can Buy” about the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Brian reminisce about the 5th Summit on Communication and Sport and Bradley University. Molly was the keynote speaker and was terrified. Brian was a first-year doc student and somehow impressed Dave Kindred. Molly talks about how baseball players are the easiest athletes to relate to, the adorableness of Vin Scully and his wife, how doing a little bit at a time can make a huge project seem less daunting, and why the best sports stories end in losses. She and Brian also talk about the balance of being a sports fan and a sports writer, and the importance of authenticity and passion in your writing.

It’s Press & Sun-Bulletin reunion day, as the former Binghamton University education beat writer and Binghamton University athletics writer reconnect. Rion Amilcar Scott left journalism 10 years ago and is now a fiction writer and professor at Bowie State. He and Brian talk about creating and chronicling the fictional town of Cross River, Maryland; the biggest sins young writers make and how they can improve their writing, and the pure magic of watching your kids learn to read. Rion also gives Brian several recommended collections of short stories.

Ellie Moritz (first grader, actress, human spoiler alert) talks about her favorite Harry Potter books, the books and plays she’s written and been in, why she loves theater, and who her favorite actresses are. She also becomes the first guest of The Other 51 to sing.

Rochelle Bilow has been a writer, a line cook, a culinary student, and a farmer. She’s also the first second-generation guest of The Other 51, coming on at the recommendation of Leah Stacey. Rochelle and Brian talk about making yourself a character in your own book, why Rochelle’s memoir doesn’t have any exposition, and what people can do to make themselves a better cook.

National Magazine Award winner Chris Jones talks about what it’s like to replace Charles Pierce, why reporting is so important to his work, and finding your voice when you start writing for a new publication. Chris talks about how the Ellie-award-winning story “The Things That Carried Him” came together. They also discuss Chris’ favorite building in North America (Buffalo City Hall) and Brian’s strange romantic affinity for the southern-most stretch of the Q.E.W.

Many years ago, Mike Sielski (now a columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer) tried to get Brian a job as a sports reporter at the Bucks County Courier Times. It didn’t happen, but life has a funny way of working out. The two get back together to talk about what makes a good Philadelphia story, why you can’t scream and yell about everything, picking your sports for a personal column, and the wonderful career of Bill Lyon. They also spend a good nine minutes geeking out about Godzilla. It’s quite a thing.

Erik Malinowski of Bleacher Report talks about writing a book about the Golden State Warriors, our favorite Simpsons episodes (including which one to best introduce Brian’s daughter to the show), and why you should never Tweet. We also get super nerdy talking about Scrivener.