In this first episode of 2026, Kayla and Rachel reflect on how their definition of “success” has shifted—from big, flashy milestones to the small, meaningful moments that truly matter. They talk about flu season, waiting on editorial feedback, writers’ group nerves, and late-night classes (three hours?!).

Then, things get emotional as they read and discuss a fanfiction tribute submitted by listener Nova, honoring a friend named Lily through the world of My Hero Academia. The episode dives into grief, creativity, sensory detail in writing, and how storytelling can become a way to remember, heal, and connect.

A thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt start to the new year—plus another reminder that every story, no matter how small, deserves to be heard.

Read Where Lilies Bloom on Quotev.

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In our final episode of the year, we reflect on how Write Your Heart Out began (yes, including the lucky underwear lore) before diving into a sharp craft conversation inspired by Rebecca Makkai’s essay on why novels shouldn’t be written like movies. We unpack what film gets wrong about fiction, from “show, don’t tell” to interiority, structure, and setting. We talk about how to use the tools only the page can offer. Plus, a Storytime submission update and news about our new in-person writers group. Happy New Year! 

Make sure to check out Rebecca's substack! https://rebeccamakkai.substack.com/

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In this wide-ranging, candid episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel talk about creative resistance, privilege in publishing, and what it really takes to get a book across the finish line. Kayla shares a hopeful, behind-the-scenes story about reaching out for developmental editing support—and the complicated feelings that come with having access to resources not everyone can afford—while Rachel celebrates a new literary journal publication.

The conversation then turns sharp and unfiltered as the hosts dive into a deep critique of Louis C.K.’s debut novel Ingram. They unpack questions of power, accountability, and whether it’s possible—or ethical—to engage with art made by deeply flawed people. From clunky prose and muddled world-building to moments of genuine potential, Kayla and Rachel break down what works, what doesn’t, and why calling something “literary fiction” doesn’t make it so.

As always, this episode blends craft talk, cultural critique, humor, and honesty—plus a reminder that writing is hard, finishing is harder, and sometimes the best thing you can do is keep asking better questions.

If you’re listening, don’t forget to rate, review, and let us know you’re out there. 

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New episodes every other Wednesday.

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Ever cried reading your own poem on mic? Rachel did. And Kayla cried too, because friendship.
And then Jessie Wingate blew our minds with The Beholden.
And THEN Kayla read the full #VanLife you’ve all been asking for... wink wink... okay, maybe only Reka. 

This description isn't A.I. Okay it was only partly written by ChatGPT. I came up with the wink wink thing... I know... pretty good. The first sentence is obviously A.I. lol (Kayla)

Send us your own poems and stories at writeyourheartoutpod.com or on Reddit. We’d love to feature your work next.

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New episodes every other Wednesday.

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On a rainy night Kayla and Rachel brought clipboard to the movie theater to watch Begonia (2025).Now they’re breaking down this absurdist black-comedy thriller beat by beat. Is there any chance that Yorgos Lanthimos’s newest film follows the Save the Cat structure, or are we just trying to shove a genre-bending film into a litterbox?

We talk about opening and final images (cutest bee ever), themes, midpoints, Dark Night of the Soul moments, and that finale we absolutely did not see coming. We had no idea what the Emma Stone character was. 

Along the way, we share Kayla’s big writing news, debate conspiracy theories, talk about why celebrities can feel “otherworldly,” and fully spiral about the crocheted alien costumes that deserve their own Oscar category.

This one is for writers, film geeks, and anyone who just likes listening to two friends who are excited about Jesse Plemons.

Watch Begonia first because we literally tell you everything. Spoiler alert.

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New episodes every other Wednesday.

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We’re back—and now bi-weekly! Kayla and Rachel dive into the messy middle of revisions: what developmental editing actually looks like, why you should delay line edits, and how to plant undercurrents so readers guess the twist two beats before you reveal it. Rachel talks through changing her killer (and giving everyone a motive) in her one-night “Dinner for Eight” mystery—plus why a simple house map might save your pacing. Kayla shares hard-won lessons about cutting travel filler, building Lani’s agency, and getting a lifesaving line edit from friend-editor Angie. We also play with Enneagram-informed character work (Type One vs. Type Four rebellion), celebrate a 40th birthday murder-mystery party, and invite your pieces for our upcoming Storytime episode. Submit short fiction or poems (text or audio) to [email protected]

Please subscribe, rate and review!

New episodes every other Wednesday.

E-mail us your short story at [email protected]

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Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

It’s a craft special! We kick off with Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest (yes, the hairdresser, the church, the drugs—what is even happening), then dive into the good stuff: how to build believable, unforgettable characters using the Enneagram. Rachel walks us through types, wings, stress/safety arrows, and why intention > vibes, while Kayla talks “thisness,” denial as a human engine, and how appearance can serve plot (hi, Lani). We compare detailed character bibles vs. trusting your brain, debate how much “looks” to include, touch representation + writing to market, and share a wicked prompt: take a free Enneagram test as your character—especially your protag and your monster-in-the-house.

In this episode

• A spicy, spoiler-lite chat about Liz Gilbert’s new memoir and why readers love messy truth
• Enneagram 101 for writers: the 9 types, wings, stress/safety moves—fast and practical
• Using type arcs (unhealthy → healthy) as a built-in character transformation
• Backstory, “funny hat” details, and the “thisness” that makes scenes feel real
• Character dossiers vs. discovery writing (and how not to contradict yourself)
• Trends, MSWLs, and the trap of writing to market
• A short-story spark from Kayla you won’t forget (turquoise glitter… say no more)

Try this

Take an Enneagram quiz as your protagonist and antagonist, then outline three moments where their type drives a surprising choice.

We’re bi-weekly now—see you in two weeks.
 Say hi: writeyourheartoutpod.com • IG: @writeyourheartpod • Reddit: r/writeyourheartpod
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New episodes every other Wednesday.

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In this solo mini-episode of Write Your Heart Out, host Kayla Ogden dives headfirst into the lyrical feud—or maybe flirtation?—between pop titans Taylor Swift and Charli XCX. With Taylor’s The Life of a Showgirl and Charli’s Brat still dominating playlists, Kayla unpacks the songs that set off a thousand think-pieces: “Actually Romantic” and “Sympathy Is a Knife.”

She breaks down the verses, tone, and writing style of each, tracing the messy, fascinating overlap of art, ego, and emotional honesty. Is Taylor’s diss playful or petty? Is Charli’s spiral self-aware or self-sabotaging? Kayla compares their craft—not just their conflict—and explores how two brilliant lyricists can write from the same moment in completely different emotional keys.

Whether you’re a Swiftie, a Brat, or just a writer obsessed with subtext, this episode is for you.

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New episodes every other Wednesday.

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Kayla and Rachel host a reader-submitted showcase featuring three luminous poems by Blair Vischer—“Easy Dark,” “Halfway Heroes,” and “Salt”—plus Rachel’s one-hour continuation of her “Enemies to Lovers” work-in-progress, a moody, Poe-tinted short piece by Dave Richanbach that riffs on “more weight” and the Salem trials, and MJ’s aching new poem “Strangers,” a call-and-response to Scott Gibson’s piece from last week.
Along the way, we talk rejection resilience (hi, Novelry shortlist), why humor sometimes masks sadness, and how we’re inviting listeners to share their work via email ([email protected]) or our new 

Reddit community (@WriteYourHeartOutPod) for future Storytime episodes.
Next up: character development deep-dive—yes, with Enneagram tricks writers can steal.

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New episodes every other Wednesday.

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This week we go full craft-nerd. Kayla shares how adding interiority (yes, telling!) is transforming Pillow Forts Down, and we break down the long-misunderstood “show, don’t tell” rule—from Chekhov to Hemingway’s iceberg theory—and land on a modern balance: show and tell. We walk through quick edit tools (for every scene: desire, fear, misbelief), why character expectations create delicious reversals, and how to build emotional dynamic change in scenes (with detours through Little Women adaptations, Friends, and a murderous “Gertrude” example).

Rachel celebrates an Honorable Mention from Reader’s Digest for “Extra Scoop of Revenge,” we read our Two Sentences entries, and Kayla talks printing the manuscript and aiming at Book Pipeline. Next week: Storytime (Scott & MJ’s “switcheroo” poems + Blair’s pieces).

Send us your short fiction or poems to be featured—and please rate, review, and, as the YouTubers say, smash that subscribe button.

Please subscribe, rate and review!

New episodes every other Wednesday.

E-mail us your short story at [email protected]

Follow us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod

Leave us a message at 650-260-4885