I Spent 50 Hours With 20 Master Writers David Perell 2026-09-23 | I Spent 50 Hours With 20 Master Writers
How Dan Wang Became America’s Favorite China Expert David Perell 2025-09-24 | I interviewed Dan Wang, a writer and analyst whose annual letters from China have become a first draft of modern Chinese history. We talked about how he blends personal observation with deep analysis, how to skip the cliches and write with texture instead, and how classical music and literature have shaped his writing style.What’s unique about Dan is that he built a name for himself by writing one essay per year (in an age where writers are encouraged to publish consistently). We also talked about his approach to travel writing, the difference between living in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, how AI is changing the way he thinks (but not how he writes), and why China’s influencer culture is his least favorite thing about the country.00:01:04 Why Dan writes Annual Letters00:07:53 Dan’s favorite novel00:15:01 Dan’s method for writing00:26:02 Why most travel writing stinks00:30:44 How to travel through China00:33:05 The regions of China, explained00:44:47 Trade books vs. academic books00:53:46 The problem with history books01:01:42 Did Dan write his book with AI?01:10:50 Dan’s least favorite part about China1:15:42 A critique of American elites1:33:08 Dan’s website got blocked in China1:39:52 What China mocks about America1:54:49 A simple way to improve your writingHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Worlds Greatest Poets: How to Write Beautifully David Perell 2025-09-17 | I interviewed Ada Limón and Joy Harjo, two of America’s most celebrated poets and former U.S. Poet Laureates. We talked about the art of deep listening, how to translate the music of the world into language, and why silence is never empty but always alive. We explored how poetry resists “clock time,” why metaphor is essential to truth, how culture lives through song and dance, and what it means to trust your voice across a lifetime of writing.If you want to write with more presence, rediscover the mystery of language, or understand how poetry can awaken a deeper way of being, this conversation will give you timeless insights from two masters of the craft.00:00:00 How poetry helps us listen to the world00:09:05 How everything is held together by sound00:19:46 Attention and resisting trends00:29:26 Line breaks, embodiment, and performance00:39:36 Language as magicHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
”AI is the best writing tool I’ve ever used.” — Jimmy Soni (Award-winning author) David Perell 2025-09-12 | Watch the full episode with Jimmy Soni youtu.be/mqupPpnGtP8Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
The Writing Secrets Behind The Band Going Viral on TikTok David Perell 2025-09-10 | I interviewed Jack and Ryan from AJR, the band that has built one of the most original voices in modern music. We talked about how they use humor and vulnerability to write songs that connect on a deeper level, why embarrassment is often the best creative compass, how Broadway and magic inspire their live shows, and what they’ve learned about navigating TikTok, streaming, and the new economics of the music industry. We also explored their thoughts on AI, why imperfection makes art feel authentic, and how they’ve grown from writing dorm-room party songs to filling arenas around the world.If you want to understand the future of music, create art that’s both playful and profound, or learn how to stay true to yourself in a world driven by algorithms, this conversation will give you a rare inside look at the creative process of AJR.00:00:58 How to write music00:09:41 Embarrassment as creative fuel00:12:45 Lessons from Musical Theater00:14:40 How to write a song00:20:01 Why is country music booming?00:29:24 What makes a song great?00:31:11 How do you make a live show?00:39:44 When AJR finally “made it”00:50:57 Should musicians use AI?00:59:41 Dealing with haters01:09:27 Writing 1,000 bad songs01:15:40 How musicians listen to musicHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
How an Award-Winning Author Writes with AI (Jimmy Soni) David Perell 2025-08-27 | I interviewed Jimmy Soni, who is currently writing a book about Kobe Bryant. He spent six years on his previous book about the origin story of PayPal and has mastered the art of investigative biography. We talked about his 4am writing routine, how he blends research and writing to battle writers block, why he finds the best stories by talking to people on the periphery, his thoughts on using AI as a writing tool, and his experience creating a new publishing company. If you're interested in writing better non-fiction, doing deeper research, or finding the stories everyone else misses, this conversation will show you exactly how to do that. Enjoy!00:00:00 Intro00:00:37 Why Kobe Would Have Been on How I Write00:06:19 How Kobe Turned a Poem Into an Oscar-Winning Film00:17:00 Why Love Outlasts Ambition in True Mastery00:25:01 Why I Protect 4AM Writing Time at All Costs00:31:42 How Blending Research and Writing Beats Writer's Block00:35:22 Why Great Stories Come From People on the Periphery00:44:59 The King of Non-Fiction Biography00:51:57 Why AI Elevates Every Stage of My Writing00:58:39 Why AI Can't Replace Writers But Makes Them Better01:04:07 How AI Expands Your Creative Canvas01:11:40 The Problem with the Publishing Industry01:20:47 Why I Wrote A Coffee Table BookHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Oxford Professor: AI Is Humanity’s Attempt to Make God (John Lennox Interview) David Perell 2025-08-20 | I interviewed John Lennox, the Oxford mathematician who's spent decades bridging science and faith. We talked about why John 1:1 reveals we live in a word-based universe, how to recognize God-breathed scripture, why scientific explanations don't exclude God, and his fascinating take on AI as humanity's attempt to "make God." He also shared practical writing advice about self-criticism and why young people struggle with metaphors. If you're curious about how faith and reason work together, or worried about what AI means for humanity's future, this conversation will challenge how you think about both. Enjoy!00:00:00 Why John 1:1 Reveals a Word-Based Universe00:09:30 How to Know Scripture Is God-Breathed00:17:40 Why Scientific Explanations Don't Exclude God00:23:24 Why Style Is As Important As Substance00:29:29 How to Balance Argument and Self-Criticism00:33:35 How Narrow vs General AI Create Different Risks00:41:40 Why the AI Race Is About Making God00:46:02 How AI Changes What It Means to Be Human00:52:47 How Christians Can Lead in AI EthicsHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
This guy is one of the world’s most under-rated writers — Henrik Karlsson David Perell 2025-08-13 | I interviewed Henrik Karlsson, a writer who has developed a unique five-step method for writing that starts with pure exploration. What makes him fascinating isn't just his technique, but how he thinks about the craft itself, spending less time looking at the page and more time looking at what you're describing. We talked about his five-step writing process, why he writes beginnings and endings last, how to make descriptions vivid by "sucking reality into the writing," and why young ideas are so fragile they need protection from early critique. He also shared insights on writing from deep personal need, the difference between writing in English versus Swedish, and how he uses his remote Danish island setting to fuel creativity. If you want to develop a more authentic writing voice and learn a systematic approach to the craft, this conversation will show you exactly how to do that. Enjoy!00:00:00 The 5-Step Writing Method Anyone Can Use00:08:30 How to Create Tension That Hooks Readers00:12:44 Why Looking Away From the Page Improves Writing00:18:03 How to Suck Reality Into Your Writing00:23:18 Why Writers Feel Compelled to Write00:29:23 How Lowering Your Promises Creates Better Essays00:35:40 How Deep Conversations Generate Great Ideas00:42:02 Why Breaking Grammar Rules Improves Your Voice00:48:49 How to Write as Discovery00:52:34 Why You Should Protect Your Early Ideas01:01:31 The Strange Writing Experiments That Actually Work01:06:11 How Courage Becomes Your Writing Bottleneck01:13:50 Why Boring Truths Make Powerful Writing01:19:54 How to Write From Your Subconscious01:27:46 How Writing Summons A CultureHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Pulitzer Winning Professor Teaches Me Writing — Jayne Anne Phillips David Perell 2025-08-06 | I interviewed Jayne Anne Phillips, who won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her novel Night Watch. We dug into passages from her writing that will show you how she thinks about voice, character, and the poetry of great writing. As you listen, I want you to notice something: pay attention to how many times Jane describes writing as a full-bodied experience. She sees the creative process almost like an archaeologist would, feeling her way into the hidden and mysterious world of her own novel. Now that sounds fascinating, but how do you actually do that? Well, that's what this interview is all about. Enjoy!00:00:00 Intro00:00:36 How a Pulitzer Winner Thinks About Their Writing Voice00:07:17 How to Get Inside Your Own Writing00:10:47 What Intense Reading Actually Means00:12:28 Why Fiction Is Like Time Travel00:19:48 What to Do When You Get Stuck Writing00:22:22 How to Write When You Have a Day Job00:26:25 How Art Saves Things From Being Lost Forever00:32:05 Why Kids Make the Best Story Characters00:39:32 Why Writing Prepares You for Death00:41:56 How Every Book I Wrote Prepared Me00:46:17 Why Writing by Hand Changes Everything00:49:42 Why Each Person Is a Historical GeniusHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
40 Years of Songwriting Lessons in 1 Hour — Rosanne Cash David Perell 2025-07-30 | I interviewed Rosanne Cash, a 4-time Grammy winner who's been writing songs for over 40 years. She's mastered something most writers struggle with: turning raw emotion into beautiful, lasting songs. She writes songs like a painter, starting with visual images, and brings the same rhythmic approach to both music and prose. We talked about how to turn pain into art, why anger and grief are powerful creative forces, how to deconstruct great songs to learn from masters like Bob Dylan, and how to develop your authentic voice through decades of deliberate practice. If you want to write with more emotional depth and turn life's difficulties into meaningful art, this conversation will show you how. Enjoy!00:00:00 Why Great Writers Love Language Early00:07:47 When to Ask for Feedback on Songs00:14:46 How to Deconstruct Songs Like Bob Dylan00:21:25 How to Study Different Songwriting Traditions00:25:19 Why Truth Should Drive Your Creative Work00:31:11 Why You Must Master Rhyme Schemes First00:35:13 How to Use Anger as Creative Fuel00:42:15 Why Emotions Are Invitations for Discovery00:50:56 How Your Voice Changes Over Your Career00:56:06 How Songs Start as Visual Images01:01:25 Why Music Survives When Everything Else Dies01:05:48 The Dream That Changed Everything About ArtHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Inside the Mind of a Master Writer — David Whyte David Perell 2025-07-23 | I interviewed David Whyte, a poet who has mastered the art of turning life's deepest experiences into beautiful writing. We talked about how to write from the place where your inner world meets the outer world, why difficult emotions like grief and anger are actually forms of care, how memorizing poetry changes how you experience reality, and practical techniques for developing deeper attention. If you want to write more authentically, develop a stronger presence, or learn to find beauty in ordinary moments, this conversation will give you specific tools to do that.0:00:00 The Key to Prolonged Attention00:08:32 How to Write in the Dark00:12:23 Why You Should Start From Darkness00:18:36 Why You Already Know What You Need to Do00:21:15 Why Crying Opens You to Everything00:30:07 Why Anger Is Actually Deep Care00:34:07 How I Wrote 68 Essays in 7 Months00:39:23 How to Memorize Poetry Line by Line00:48:57 How to Find Beautiful Questions00:57:27 How Writing Expands Your Understanding01:06:00 Why It's Always About Love01:11:28 How to Find Your Impossible Path01:27:08 Why Your Future Self Does the WorkHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
How to Write Something Truly Beautiful — Alain de Botton David Perell 2025-07-16 | I interviewed Alain de Botton, a philosopher and writer who has turned personal pain into universal wisdom. He's written dozens of books and built The School of Life into a YouTube channel with nearly 10 million subscribers, but the thing that makes him unique is that he approaches writing as a form of emotional archaeology. We talked about why good writing requires suffering, why loneliness is essential to the creative process, and how writing is actually a form of revenge. He also shared his approach to writer's block and why he believes the pressure is on us creatives to deepen our self-exploration. If you want to understand how to write with emotional honesty and create work that genuinely connects with people, this conversation will show you a completely different way to think about the craft. Enjoy!00:00:00 What Gives a Writer Joy00:07:59 Why Great Books Start as Fragments00:14:56 How to Live Like a Writer00:21:59 Why Suffering Makes Better Artists00:27:53 Why Writing Is About Revenge00:36:30 Why Discipline Matters Less Than Attention00:41:35 How Deep Observation Reveals Hidden Details00:47:22 How to Write What You Actually Want00:54:24 Why Writer's Block Is Just Shame00:57:01 Why Modern News Hijacks Your Mind01:06:27 Why We Find Certain Things Beautiful01:14:44 Why Religion Beats Art at Persuasion01:18:50 Why Wonder Works Better Than Reason01:22:33 Why AI Pushes Writers to Be More OriginalHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
How to Write Freakishly Fast — Steven Levitan David Perell 2025-07-09 | I interviewed Steven Levitan, the co-creator and showrunner of Modern Family, one of the most successful sitcoms of the past two decades. What makes him fascinating isn't just that he wrote hundreds of TV episodes, but how he thinks about the craft of comedy writing itself. We talked about why story breaking is the hardest part of TV writing, how he juggles multiple storylines in 21 minutes, the difference between fast-twitch and slow-twitch writers, why the best jokes come from character, how to build character dynamics that last hundreds of episodes, and why Modern Family was designed to bring joy to families. If you want to understand how professional comedy writers think about storytelling, character development, and the creative process behind hit television, this conversation will give you an inside look at the secrets that made Modern Family. Enjoy!00:00:00 How I Write So Fast After Hundreds of Episodes00:05:54 The Idea for Modern Family Came from Our Lives00:10:45 How Do You Juggle Multiple Stories in 21 Minutes?00:17:42 How Do You Maintain Tone Across Writers?00:21:56 Why Story Breaking Is the Hardest Part00:26:56 How Do You Think About Story and Comedy?00:32:17 The Story Behind the Modern Family Pilot00:36:21 How Do You Build Character Dynamics for Hundreds of Episodes?00:43:30 Why Relationships Matter for Humor00:55:08 Why Modern Family Is Aging Well01:02:10 Why Every Episode Needs a Clear Theme01:07:50 How to Design a Show That Brings Joy01:11:31 Why Conflict Creates the Best Comedy01:19:02 Single Cam vs Multicam Comedy Writing01:24:17 Why Is Hollywood So Against AI?01:30:06 How AI Will Change Writing in GroupsHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
The Timeless Rules of Comedy — David Zucker David Perell 2025-07-02 | I interviewed David Zucker, the director behind Airplane!, Naked Gun, and some of the funniest movies ever made. What makes this conversation fascinating isn't just the behind the scenes stories, but how he breaks down comedy writing like a science. We talked about his specific rules for making people laugh, his "flywheel theory" of pacing that keeps audiences laughing non-stop, and why they test-screened Airplane! so many times. If you want to understand what actually makes something funny, whether you're writing, performing, or just curious about the craft, this conversation will show you the discipline and technique behind comedy that looks effortless. Enjoy!00:00:00 What Makes a Comedy Actually Funny00:06:28 Joke on a Joke00:11:44 Why Story Beats Jokes Every Time00:17:41 How to Build Character in the First Act00:22:41 When Running Gags Go Too Far00:27:04 How to Get Better at Comedy Writing00:32:50 How "Prohibited Jokes" Have Changed Over Time00:38:20 Why Death and Sickness Are Comedy Gold00:47:51 Why Hollywood Has Stopped Taking Creative Risks00:55:09 Making Movies That Last 50 Years01:00:10 What Made Our Comedy Different01:08:44 Why Write Comedy in Groups01:12:12 How You Can Learn to Be FunnyHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
How to Read the Bible (Tim Mackie and Jon Collins, The Bible Project) David Perell 2025-06-25 | This is not a normal episode. There's two guests, not one. Tim Mackie and Jon Collins, and they're the founders of the BibleProject, a YouTube channel with more than half a billion views. It is entirely devoted to teaching people how to read just one book. I think that book happens to be the most influential book in the history of western civilization. The beginning of this interview is about how they make these videos. They're so good, how they're researched, how they're written, how they're animated. Then we got into the deeper stuff, and I think you're going to like it whether you're religious or not. Questions like, how should you read the Bible? And what can we learn about all the different writing styles in scripture? Stories, songs, poetry, proverbs, parables, all those things. 00:00:00 Intro00:00:45 How Do You Write a Bible Story?00:07:48 Visuals That Unlock Creative Ideas00:09:37 The Illusion of Knowing vs. Trust00:14:53 Making Videos About Divine Mystery00:19:48 The Visual Parallelism of Scripture00:25:31 What Makes an Ideal Bible Reader?00:31:42 When the Bible Finally "Clicked"00:35:46 The Tree of Knowing Good and Bad00:39:56 Why Words Have Power in Scripture00:43:50 How Metaphor Shapes Everything We Understand00:49:53 The Bible as Window and Mirror00:53:40 Paul's Frustrating Writing Style00:58:34 Who Are the Bible's Most Compelling Authors?01:04:35 Writing Scripts That Feel Like Conversation01:09:22 Are Humans Actually Co-Creators with God?01:12:11 How the Bible Transformed English Language01:18:18 Comparing the Four Gospel Writers01:25:55 Speaking Bible Is Like Rearranging Lego BlocksHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Cambridge Professor: Why All Writing Sounds the Same Now (Robert Macfarlane) David Perell 2025-06-18 | I interviewed Robert Macfarlane, a writer who has mastered the art of nature writing. What makes him fascinating isn’t just that he writes beautifully about landscapes, but how he thinks about language itself. We talked about why he rewrites first sentences hundreds of times, what happens when entire languages die forever, why AI makes all writing sound the same, and how to build a stronger feel for using vivid and rich language. If you want to write more powerfully and develop your distinctive voice, this conversation will show you how to do that. Enjoy!00:00:00 Growing Up in Mountains00:06:16 How to Write Like Water Flows 00:10:12 Why He Rewrites First Sentences 100 Times 00:16:15 How Messy Notebooks Become Real Books 00:21:37 How Your Brain Finds Hidden Patterns00:27:03 Why Wonder Keeps Kids Alive00:34:34 It Took 300 Pages to Answer One Question00:42:52 Do Writers Plan Their Books or Wing It?00:48:06 Why He Started Writing About People Too00:53:08 How Learning Songs Made Him a Better Writer01:00:19 He Spent 3 Years Collecting Weird Words01:04:30 Why Writing Is Like Making Pottery01:08:44 Why AI Makes All Writing Sound the Same01:11:32 How to Make Readers Feel 'Visceral'01:19:35 Why Some Words Feel Thick and Heavy01:23:54 Why "Cut Extra Words" Is Terrible Advice01:27:08 The Weird Fact About the Word "RiverHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
AI Research Feels Smart … Until It Isn’t — Ezra Klein David Perell 2025-06-13 | Watch the full episode with Ezra Klein youtube.com/watch?v=smb7hy6KufQ00:00 Should You Use AI for Research01:33 Why Going Deep Matters More Than Going Fast02:51 What Humans See That AI Misses05:06 Why Sticking With Topics Longer Pays Off07:06 What Travel Teaches You About Writing08:25 How Writing Helps You Think BetterHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
How to Write Freakishly Well — Paul Harding David Perell 2025-06-11 | I interviewed Paul Harding, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his very first novel Tinkers. Unlike most novelists, he’s not really interested in plots, and only halfway interested in characters. So what is he interested in? He’s focused on describing the wonders and mysteries of life, teaching us how to see, hear, and feel more vividly, and how to translate those sensations onto the page.00:00:00 Intro00:00:31 Why I Don't Write with Outlines00:06:50 Why Patience Always Beats Speed00:10:58 How to Build Characters00:15:02 The Artist's Secret Weapon00:20:40 How to Write After Winning a Pulitzer00:26:47 Why Plot Doesn't Matter in Great Books00:32:17 The Writer's Paradox00:39:17 Why I Read The Dictionary Everyday00:41:37 Why Words Don't Mean What They Used To00:47:54 Read the Best Writers to Become The Best00:53:20 What Fiction Can Do That Essays Can't00:59:04 Write for Smart Readers, Not Everyone01:05:45 Don't Explain Everything to Your Reader01:12:47 Cut from 1000 Pages Down to 15001:22:02 How Great Writers Influenced My Style Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Harvard Professor Explains The Rules of Writing — Steven Pinker David Perell 2025-06-04 | I’m here at Harvard in the office of Steven Pinker. He’s written nine books and spent his life studying language, cognition, and writing. In this interview, we started with the practical: the rules of writing. But what makes him unique is that he’s been thinking about AI since the 1980s. So if you’re interested in doing great non-fiction writing in the age of LLMs, this interview is for you.00:00:00 Intro00:00:28 Why Is There So Much Bad Writing00:07:05 How To Make Your Writing Visual00:11:50 What Makes Writing So Much Harder Than Speaking00:14:18 Why Examples Without Context Are Useless00:20:07 What Makes Writing Beautiful00:22:35 Why Academics Are Such Terrible Writers00:25:14 What Kids Teach Us About Clear Explanations00:28:33 Why Shorter Writing Is Always Better00:34:53 Why AI Writing Feels So Bland00:41:16 How AI Would Rewrite My BooksHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Ezra Klein: The Case Against Writing with AI David Perell 2025-06-03 | Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
The Case Against Writing with AI — Ezra Klein David Perell 2025-05-28 | Ezra Klein is one of the internet’s most influential journalists. He co-founded Vox in 2014, and it was there he really pioneered this new era of online journalism. Remember those Vox explainer videos that were so popular? As I’ve recorded this, he’s got the #1 book on the New York Times bestseller list. We talked about the state of media, why pieces need to be longer not shorter, how he reads to understand the world, and why he’s skeptical that AI will ever change the craft of deep and meaningful journalism.00:00:00 Intro00:00:33 Pick Up The Damn Phone00:03:54 How Editors Can Shape Your Voice?00:05:50 What's the Real Challenge of Writing a Book?00:10:23 Does Volume Actually Improve Taste?00:12:49 Why Ezra Didn't Trust His Voice at Vox00:15:55 Writing vs Managing: Which Is Better?00:21:19 Does Your "Hit Rate" Need to Be Higher at Big Institutions?00:24:38 Is Journalism Dying?00:33:28 What's Most Important in Writing?00:39:37 The Secret to Great Podcast Conversations00:42:20 Why AI Research Is a Terrible Idea00:49:07 How Writing Changes How You ThinkHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
This Is What Makes a Killer Movie Screenplay — Eric Roth David Perell 2025-05-21 | Dune. Forrest Gump. Benjamin Button. Eric Roth wrote all of them. He’s been nominated for seven Oscars and won Best Adapted Screenplay for Forrest Gump. I got the chance to ask him about how you find a deeper theme in a story, what a writer can do to really move people, and what it’s actually like working with people like David Fincher, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese. Eric Roth is one of the greatest screenwriters of our time, hope you enjoy this one.00:00:00 Intro00:00:25 Why I write everyday00:05:29 How to craft character backstories00:14:19 What makes memorable characters00:29:15 How to write iconic one-liners00:33:11 Fanciful vs Cartoonish characters00:41:43 Why start a story at the end00:48:07 How to make drama characters likable00:57:45 What makes a great movie intro01:02:49 How to write dialogue01:17:28 What is the key to great collaborations 01:24:58 How to create art that lasts foreverHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
How to Funny Stories— Michael Jamin Interview (Hollywood Screenwriter) David Perell 2025-05-14 | Michael Jamin has been writing Hollywood sitcoms for 28 years on shows like King of the Hill and Beavis and Butt-Head. Unlike most comedy writers, he’s not focused on punchlines, he’s more focused on building rich characters, developing deep storylines, and layering the comedy on top. But how do you do that? That’s what this episode is all about. Enjoy!00:00:00 Intro00:00:24 How to write comedy00:07:17 The sitcom formula that still works today00:11:14 How to create complex characters00:21:47 How to sculpt a story that actually resonates00:24:01 Sh*t happening is not a story00:34:36 How writing for TV is different00:44:52 How to craft a killer villain00:52:44 Stop polishing turd00:59:00 This is how to create the best jokes01:04:13 Michael reacts to iconic American comedy01:08:35 Debating AI for writing01:17:17 Why good premises write themselvesHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Learn Storytelling in 107 Minutes (Dean Koontz, Award-Winning Writer) David Perell 2025-05-07 | Dean Koontz has written over 100 books and sold more than 500 million copies, making him one of the best-selling authors of all time. I visited Dean at his home and personal library to understand what truly sets him apart. Unlike most mass-market writers, Dean is obsessed with the craft. He doesn’t just write stories, he truly lives for the beauty of the English language. We talked about why he stopped outlining his novels and how to build characters that feel alive. But honestly, this conversation goes way deeper than just writing. I think you’re going to love it. Enjoy!00:00:00 Intro00:00:34 Why I Stopped Outlining My Writing00:14:10 Dealing With Publishers00:18:42 How to Develop Your Voice00:22:13 How Childhood Trauma Shaped My Creative Process00:29:35 Where Do Original Ideas Really Come From00:36:09 Why Great Characters Matter More Than Plot00:48:25 The Secret to Better Editing00:53:27 The Authors That Influenced My Writing00:59:47 What Actually Builds Real Suspense in a Novel01:07:30 Why Slow Writing Makes Better Stories01:09:13 The 4 Rules of Writing01:13:38 How to Balance Faith, Science, and Storytelling01:18:48 Is Self-Doubt a Writer’s Superpower01:21:28 John D. MacDonald: Character Over Plot01:23:33 T.S. Eliot's Use of Language Is Mind-Blowing01:26:52 How Ray Bradbury Turned Joy Into Language01:31:45 Charles Dickens Wasn’t Afraid of Emotion01:34:41 Sentiment Is Confused With Sentimentality01:37:33 Dean Koontz's Home and Library01:41:31 Why Metaphysics Is the Central Issue in a Writer’s CareerHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
This Research System Will Change How You Write — Johann Hari David Perell 2025-04-30 | The world isn’t made of atoms, it’s made of stories. I’ve never heard anyone speak so deeply about interviewing. Johann Hari has written four books, and for each one he travels the globe to record hundreds of conversations. In this episode, he’ll explain exactly how he does it, sharing stories of getting up close and personal with homeless people in Vegas and a crack dealer in New York. In the end you’ll hear a wild story of the apple in Vietnam that almost killed him. Enjoy!00:00:00 Intro00:00:36 Finding the problem00:05:10 Interviewing a crack dealer in NYC00:13:02 The culture of loneliness00:18:26 Making a movie about your life00:21:34 People are contradictory00:26:54 Why does this story matter00:33:34 True intelligence00:40:05 Write through writer’s block00:47:47 Clarity00:53:33 Talk less, listen more00:57:11 Problem with modern journalism01:01:51 The maps of reality01:09:20 Make yourself vulnerableHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Learn Storytelling in 72 Minutes — Will Storr David Perell 2025-04-23 | Will Storr has written 7 books and he’s basically a scientist for storytelling. Now you might be thinking: do we really need another storytelling guy? But Will is different. That's because he doesn’t just talk about plot or the hero’s journey, he focuses on character. Great stories don’t start with plot… they start with people. The best part? By the time you’re done with the episode, you’ll have the tools to be a better storyteller in your next conversation.Explore Will's Storytelling Substack: willstorr.substack.com00:00:00 Intro00:00:31 Why we crave stories 00:03:12 What makes for a good character00:08:20 Character drives everything 00:12:22 Artists begin with their own problem00:18:05 Story is just change 00:21:43 The components of an outline [5-Act Plan]00:26:02 The final scene of a story 00:28:07 Stop using the hero’s journey00:35:15 Survival, status, connection 00:40:16 The pacing of story00:44:01 Master the basics00:49:15 Western storytelling00:58:00 Stories in business and politics01:02:20 Obstacles and goalsHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
The 3 Rules of Copywriting — Harry Dry David Perell 2025-04-18 | Copywriting Masterclass with Harry Dry youtu.be/TUMjnmfsPeM?si=5Rx9m84nk3R9gjni&t=836Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
You Need to Learn Storytelling — Richard Powers David Perell 2025-04-14 | Full episode with Richard Powers youtu.be/QUDlpMN-f5w00:00 The power of storytelling01:06 Embracing loneliness02:16 Attention03:38 The craft04:55 Solitude06:33 BalanceHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
The Future of Writing Is Not What You Think — Sam Altman David Perell 2025-04-11 | The Ultimate Guide to Writing with AI — youtu.be/Wvcu_iieFxw00:00 Why AI is not killing writing01:17 How to train writers02:58 ChatGPT's storytelling capabilities03:35 Everyday uses of ChatGPT05:26 How writing has changedFull Interview with Sam Altman — youtu.be/6pxmdmlJCG0Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
A New Way to Teach Writing — Meet Michael Dean David Perell 2025-04-09 | Architect Michael Dean breaks down the hidden patterns behind the great essays of our time. In this video, we go over his 27-point framework that makes up every world-class piece of writing and how he uses the same system to analyze the Guggenheim and Apple Store. We also talk about what skills will still matter as AI continues to improve and why learning to write might be more important than ever. Enjoy!A few links:1. Join the Essay Architecture beta: essayarchitecture.com2. Follow Michael Dean on Substack: https://www.michaeldean.site/00:00:00 Intro00:00:41 Is writing quality objective?00:03:18 Grading essays with AI00:06:07 Guggenheim vs. Apple Store00:08:33 How great writers start00:11:37 Practice vs. performance00:16:12 Editing for voice00:25:30 Getting feedback like a comedian00:29:06 A map of writing patterns00:37:11 Rhythm, sound, and style00:44:25 Wallace vs. Orwell00:54:20 Wallace’s 37 examples01:00:17 Three pillars of personal writing01:05:51 Intention creates tension01:12:18 What makes a great essay01:20:34 AI’s influence on writing01:28:16 Should schools ban ChatGPT?01:31:11 Writing’s deeper meaning01:39:47 How work writing will change01:44:49 Personal writing vs. AI01:50:28 Why writing still mattersHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Everything You Need To Know About Public Relations in 80 Mins — Lulu Cheng Meservey David Perell 2025-04-02 | The old communications playbook is dead: Political and company narratives used to be controlled by publicists and journalists. But now, founders can Go Direct. The question is… how? How do you spread a message in this new world? Lulu Cheng Meservey has worked with companies like Substack, Anduril, and Activision Blizzard, and this is her tell-all about how to build your own platform, build your own audience, and shape your own narrative.00:00:00 Intro00:00:32 Go direct00:05:01 Beware of "perfect" writing00:10:06 Ship-to-Yap ratio00:15:20 Shaping a comms strategy 00:17:51 How to craft your message00:22:57 Should you write with AI? 00:27:01 You don't need new ideas 00:32:13 Say what no one else will 00:35:20 The writing AI can't do 00:41:23 The power of the right messenger 00:47:31 Borrowing tactics from elections 00:55:12 Apple vs. crypto cults 01:02:38 How to launch your product01:07:06 Stop making narcissistic announcements 01:09:55 What slogans work?01:14:29 How to write an apologyHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
The Ultimate Guide to Writing with AI David Perell 2025-03-26 | Get my free PDF on using LLM's for writers + my in-depth prompts: perell.com/ai AI has triggered an existential crisis for me. In this episode, I share my thoughts on standing out as a writer with AI and how I use it everyday. This is one of the most in-depth looks at what it means to be a writer in 2025.0:00 How to write with AI 6:45 AI is actually funny14:11 Why personal writing is AI proof21:33 Two kinds of quality in writing 28:10 Writing will be like chess or music 33:48 AI is the end of slop40:28 How do I actually write with LLMs46:07 New kinds of writing52:14 How I think with LLMs 1:03:01 ChatGPT vs Grok1:11:23 Deep Research1:15:22 How I use all the models 1:21:32 Writing with your voice1:27:50 My ultimate guideHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPvX: https://x.com/david_perell
The Lord of the Rings isn’t what you think David Perell 2025-03-17 | Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comFollow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Sam Altmans Method for Clear Thinking David Perell 2025-03-17 | Full episode with Sam Altman — youtube.com/watch?v=6pxmdmlJCG0Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, explains his note-taking system and how he thinks about writing.I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Marketing Secrets from 1M Book Sales — Alex Hormozi David Perell 2025-03-14 | Alex Hormozi explains to me how he thinks about book marketing.Watch the full episode with Alex Hormozi - youtube.com/watch?v=sKOcCQh5nacI also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Why Every Johnny Harris Video Goes Viral David Perell 2025-03-12 | In this episode, I sit down with YouTube storytelling master Johnny Harris to discover how he creates his videos. Johnny Harris has proven he can make pretty much anything go viral, from breakfast and lottery tickets to bread-making and extra virgin olive oil. We look at his entire creative process, breaking down exactly what makes his storytelling so addicting to watch. We cover the complete workflow: writing, drafting, editing, visual composition, and sound design. By the end of this video, you'll walk away with practical tools to become a better visual storyteller yourself. Enjoy!Get 60 days free Readwise Reader at readwise.io/davidperell0:00 Intro0:35 Johnny's entire process5:14 Notes from the field9:18 Researching for a documentary10:15 Marketing 10113:15 Script vs no script14:30 The two kinds of storytelling15:18 The only app I use to read articles [Readwise Reader] 16:44 Johnny breaks down a 4M view video25:06 Writing visual scripts27:27 Is he writing or coding?34:38 Video-first writer38:20 Johnny's weekly schedule40:35 New art direction45:34 Market vs passion50:27 Every story is a promise51:47 Finding the paradoxes58:56 Writing for retention1:03:20 Johnny after Vox1:04:26 Pillars of YouTube writing1:05:27 Complexity, made simple1:07:19 The art of surprise1:11:33 The Economist style of storytelling1:18:11 Inviting human stories1:21:05 Craftsmanship is #1Johnny Harris@johnnyharrispatreon.com/johnnyharrisinstagram.com/johnny.harris I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Master Storytelling in 15 Minutes – The Shaan Puri Deep Dive David Perell 2025-03-10 | Shaan Puri shares the secret storytelling secrets from the Pixar, Tony Robbins, BuzzFeed, and more.Watch the full episode with Shaan Puri - youtube.com/watch?v=Z2BnqYArwawI also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
How to Write with AI (Tyler Cowen Breaks it Down) David Perell 2025-03-05 | Tyler Cowen, an economist and writer, talks with me about how AI is changing writing and research. He explains a practical approach to using AI tools while maintaining your own voice and the ways he incorporates LLMs into his daily work. We talk about how people will be writing fewer books in the future and how he believes truly human writing will stand out among AI-generated content. Enjoy!Redeem your free week of Lex Pro at https://lex.page/perell0:00 Intro1:00 How Tyler Cowen uses AI everyday6:06 Hallucinations are rapidly declining now9:28 Writing authentically with AI11:34 AI for critiquing your work17:29 Future of decentralized AI networks20:34 Why DeepSeek22:21 How AI changes writing24:04 Why there will be less books in an AI era26:34 Video content will rise28:18 Start writing with AI [LEX AD]29:18 AI writing a personal biography30:46 How you can tactically learning about AI37:12 How AI can help you visualize information38:31 Creating the perfect AI prompt42:10 AI's impact in the classroom46:56 Studying The Bible with AI49:11 Secrets50:10 Why social networks are more important now51:48 Mastering AI prompting53:58 Mentoring young people54:49 Would you invest 4 years in a PhD59:59 Perplexity replaces Google01:01:09 The different AI tools, explained01:05:43 The potential of large context windows01:08:11 AI usage inside companiesI also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
The Deepest Conversation You’ll Ever Hear About Writing — Dana Gioia David Perell 2025-02-26 | Dana Gioia is a poet, former Chairman of the NEA, and one of the world's greatest poets. This is the deepest conversation I've ever had about writing. Dana breaks down the writing process from his first drafts to revision, and shares practical wisdom about finding your voice and creating work that lasts centuries. Enjoy!Get 60 days free Readwise Reader at readwise.io/davidperell0:00 First Drafts7:52 The Power of Saying No11:48 Objectivity in Writing18:05 Learning from Writers21:29 Daily Writing Routine28:30 Poetry Analysis29:05 Production vs Consumption36:07 Opera as Poetic Drama43:47 Finding Your Voice46:09 Personal vs Universal Writing52:17 Breaking into Publishing57:01 Writing Through Grief1:05:21 Emotional Directness1:10:16 Teaching Poetry1:14:30 Poetry in Education1:20:48 Unifying Literary Works1:23:15 Patience in Writing1:26:17 Improving Your Poetry1:30:48 The Art of Description1:34:34 Reading to Write Better1:38:08 Creating a Masterpiece1:45:08 Book Writing Process1:47:45 The Art of Revision1:48:45 Peer Feedback1:55:47 The only app I use to read articles [Readwise Reader]1:57:11 Anatomy of a Poem2:02:29 Writing with Gratitude2:08:00 Corporate World Lessons2:16:40 Writing in Digital Culture2:24:30 Poetry and Magic2:28:55 Being a Catholic Writer2:36:17 Catholic Literary Culture2:37:40 Biblical Language in Poetry2:39:51 Commonplace Books2:45:24 Literary Influences2:51:38 Cheever on Death2:53:11 Tarantino vs. Tolkien2:54:54 Tolstoy vs. Dostoevsky2:55:47 The Modern Novel3:01:18 Characters in Opera3:09:06 Understanding Your GenreDana Gioiadanagioia.comI also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Why MLKs I Have a Dream Speech Is So Iconic David Perell 2025-02-21 | Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comFollow me Website: writeofpassage.com/how-i-write Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
People Do Judge a Book By Its Cover David Perell 2025-02-18 | Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comFollow me Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Meet The Most Under-Rated Writing Professor in America (Ward Farnsworth) David Perell 2025-02-12 | Ward Farnsworth is a law professor and former dean at the University of Texas School of Law who has written popular books about clear thinking, language, and philosophy. His books include Classical English Style and works on rhetoric and legal writing. He’s a genius at making complex ideas simple and useful for everyday life. Enjoy!Get 60 days free Readwise Reader at readwise.io/davidperell00:00:00 Intro00:04:53 Example 1 (King James Bible)00:07:09 Example 2 (Winston Churchill)00:11:45 Example 3 (Winston Churchill)00:15:19 Example 4 (King James Bible)00:18:18 Example 5 (Abraham Lincoln)00:22:57 Example 6 (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.)00:26:40 Classical English Rhetoric00:27:40 Example 7 (Abraham Lincoln)00:29:59 Example 8 (Abraham Lincoln)00:31:48 The only app I use to read articles [Readwise Reader]00:33:15 Example 9 (Winston Churchill)00:35:53 Example 10 (Lloyd Bentsen)00:38:34 Example 11 (JFK)00:42:00 Example 12 (Abraham Lincoln)00:43:40 Example 13 (Henry Fielding - Tom Jones)00:45:32 Example 14 (King James Bible)00:47:42 The 3 Techniques, explained00:52:24 Practical advice for everyone00:56:08 The ideal writing curriculumWard Farnsworthhttp://wardfarnsworth.comI also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Website: writeofpassage.com/how-i-write Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Alex Hormozi — Copywriting Masterclass, #1 Creator Mistake, 1M Books Sold David Perell 2025-02-05 | Alex Hormozi has written two killer business books that have sold more than 1M copies. His writing has gotten him to 9M followers across social media. This is the first interview where he breaks down his writing system.Get 60 days free Readwise Reader at readwise.io/davidperell00:00:00 Intro00:00:20 Hormozi’s cave00:05:35 Discovery process00:12:32 Fix problems using MECE00:13:43 Marketing “$100M Leads”00:20:55 Writing for YouTube vs Books00:27:13 The pain is the pitch00:31:37 Break down the world into frameworks00:34:09 10x more effort = 1000x results00:38:24 Understanding the table of contents00:49:27 The only app I use to read articles [Readwise Reader]00:50:53 How to think about your audience00:54:22 The #1 creator mistake00:57:58 The business of Hormozi’s books01:02:04 The love for writing as a kid01:04:34 Hormozi’s ideal university writing classAlex Hormoziyoutube.com/@AlexHormoziinstagram.com/hormozihttps://x.com/alexhormozi/acquisition.comI also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Website: writeofpassage.com/how-i-write Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
The Key To Great Humor - Tucker Max David Perell 2025-02-02 | I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Website: writeofpassage.com/how-i-write Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
How To Enter Flow State Like The Top 1% David Perell 2025-01-30 | In this short clip, I compile answers from 9 experts who share their specific strategies on getting out of writer’s block. Enjoy!I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.com00:00:00 Strategy 1 (The Cultural Tutor)00:01:47 Strategy 2 (Shaan Puri)00:03:27 Strategy 3 (Scott Galloway)00:06:28 Strategy 4 (Tiago Forte)00:07:09 Strategy 5 (Neil Strauss)00:10:00 Strategy 6 (Mark Manson)00:11:33 Strategy 7 (Ava Huang)00:12:59 Strategy 8 (Sam Altman)00:13:39 Strategy 9 (Tucker Max)FULL EPISODESThe Cultural Tutor youtube.com/watch?v=1pBxikHRCXI&ab_channel=DavidPerellShaan Puri youtube.com/watch?v=Z2BnqYArwaw&ab_channel=DavidPerellScott Galloway youtube.com/watch?v=7Zo21gITvSQ&ab_channel=DavidPerellTiago Forte youtube.com/watch?v=5DmcpcpfxkE&ab_channel=DavidPerellNeil Strauss youtube.com/watch?v=-Rr9jgdcmz8&ab_channel=DavidPerellMark Manson youtube.com/watch?v=Gmy_hbllgxc&ab_channel=DavidPerellAva Huang youtube.com/watch?v=JvQTAav7Heg&ab_channel=DavidPerellSam Altman youtube.com/watch?v=6pxmdmlJCG0&ab_channel=DavidPerellTucker Max youtube.com/watch?v=2i51W8mNLVs&ab_channel=DavidPerellHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow meWebsite: writeofpassage.com/how-i-writeApple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPvX: https://x.com/david_perell
New Balance’s Genius Ad, explained David Perell 2025-01-30 | I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.comHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow me Website: writeofpassage.com/how-i-write Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell
Sam Altmans note-taking process David Perell 2025-01-25 | USEFUL LINKS: Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPvI’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
How to win long term David Perell 2025-01-22 | USEFUL LINKS: Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPvI’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
Were addicted to distraction David Perell 2025-01-17 | Ted Gioia and David Perell discuss why people are addicted to distraction and what is dopamine culture. Click here to watch the full episode: youtu.be/cur-LrnN8DMUSEFUL LINKS: Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPvI’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
Howard Marks Gives Away His Secrets David Perell 2025-01-14 | Howard Marks shares his secret to success. Watch the full episode here: youtube.com/watch?v=zZiu-JYLL8UUSEFUL LINKS: Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPvHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
171 Years of Writing Knowledge in 90 Minutes David Perell 2025-01-10 | In this episode, I share my very favorite clips from world-class experts I interviewed last year. Their combined 171 years of writing experience is tightly packed into this 90-minute video. Enjoy!I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: writingexamples.com00:00:00 Introduction00:01:16 How To Give Life to Your Stories (Amor Towles)00:09:14 The Keys of Memorable Writing (Mark Forsyth)00:15:22 The Rise of Dopamine Culture (Ted Gioia)00:20:41 The “Frame” of An Argument (Lulu Cheng Meservey)00:23:45 The #1 Note Taking Strategy (Sam Altman)00:25:34 Why People Like Funny People (Scott Galloway)00:28:35 Why Every Great Story Needs Stakes (Shaan Puri)00:32:47 Breaking Down A Viral Founder Letter (Jason Fried)00:54:56 How To Write A Killer Ad (Harry Dry)01:06:58 Why Your Story Needs A Theme (Robert Greene)01:17:36 How to Leverage Voice and Syntax (Richard Powers)01:24:26 Lessons from Peter Thiel and Paul Graham (Sam Altman)FULL EPISODESAmor Towles youtube.com/watch?v=rVk5wDKiupA&t=1015s&ab_channel=DavidPerellMark Forsyth youtube.com/watch?v=ulhrXgpjveA&ab_channel=DavidPerellTed Gioia youtube.com/watch?v=cur-LrnN8DM&ab_channel=DavidPerellLulu Cheng Meservey youtube.com/watch?v=QDHWyuNhs-E&ab_channel=DavidPerellSam Altman youtube.com/watch?v=6pxmdmlJCG0&ab_channel=DavidPerellScott Galloway youtube.com/watch?v=7Zo21gITvSQ&ab_channel=DavidPerellShaan Puri youtube.com/watch?v=Z2BnqYArwaw&ab_channel=DavidPerellJason Fried youtube.com/watch?v=UDOeqjQbUcU&t=3225s&ab_channel=DavidPerellHarry Dry youtube.com/watch?v=TUMjnmfsPeM&t=17s&ab_channel=DavidPerellRobert Greene youtube.com/watch?v=d5JWcUVaz44&ab_channel=DavidPerellRichard Powers youtube.com/watch?v=QUDlpMN-f5w&t=107s&ab_channel=DavidPerellHey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.Follow meWebsite: writeofpassage.com/how-i-writeApple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPvX: https://x.com/david_perell
