
Advertise on podcast: The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
326 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKennaExplicit
No
Date created
2020/03/05
Latest episode
2026/10/22
Average duration
57 min.
Release period
11 days
Description
Welcome to The Screenwriting Life, a podcast where Oscar-nominated writer Meg LeFauve and Emmy-nominated writer Lorien McKenna discuss not only the craft and business of Screenwriting, but also the emotional life: the ups and downs of being a creative, to remind you that you are not alone and to keep writing.
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Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna podcast
Ep. 313 | From Pitch to Netflix: How Felicia Pride Reimagined A Different World
2026/10/22
What does it take to bring one of television’s most beloved shows back to life while making it resonate with an entirely new generation?
This week on The Screenwriting Life, Lorien McKenna sits down with acclaimed writer, director, producer, and author Felicia Pride, the creative force behind Netflix’s Sequel of A Different World.
Felicia takes us inside the creative process of reimagining an iconic series, from developing the original pitch and selling it to Netflix to tackling the enormous challenge of writing a pilot that honors the past while establishing something entirely new. She shares her approach to outlining, finding a show's tone, developing compelling characters, and navigating the complicated world of studio notes.
But this conversation goes far beyond one television show.
Felicia opens up about finding her voice as a writer, breaking into television later in life, the mentors who helped shape her career, and the importance of creating opportunities for other storytellers. She also discusses her production company, Honey Chile, her passion for telling stories centered on Black women, and the creative philosophy behind her writing workbook.
Along the way, Lorien, and Felicia explore the emotional realities of being a working writer: trusting your instincts, surviving the uncertainty of Hollywood, finding joy in the process, and having the courage to tell the stories only you can tell.
Whether you're developing your first pilot, navigating studio notes, or trying to reconnect with your creative voice, this episode is packed with practical insights, hard-earned wisdom, and inspiration for building a sustainable life as a storyteller.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
https://www.honey-chile.com/our-storyCheck out the TSL merch shopTSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 312 | Your LAVA Is Not Your PLOT
2026/10/08
You know what your story is about. You know why it matters to you. You might even have a deeply personal, emotionally powerful idea at its center. But here's the question: Do you actually have a plot?
This week on The Screenwriting Life, Meg LeFauve, Lorien McKenna, and Joe Forte dig into one of the most essential distinctions in storytelling: the difference between your lava, the emotional truth burning underneath your story, and your plot, the choices, actions, and obstacles that bring that truth to life.
Too often, writers mistake one for the other. They know what they want to say, but struggle to figure out what actually happens. Or they build an elaborate series of events without understanding the emotional engine driving them. Either way, the result can be the same: a story that feels stuck, repetitive, or disconnected from what made you want to write it in the first place.
Through personal writing experiences, practical examples, and an exploration of how stories develop, Meg, Lorien, and Joe unpack why lava and plot are equally essential, but fundamentally different.
They discuss how to identify the emotional core of your story without getting trapped inside it, why your protagonist's choices are crucial to generating plot, how to create an engine that keeps a story moving, and why sometimes the hardest part of writing is letting go of the version of the story you originally imagined.
The conversation also explores the differences between building stories for features and television, finding momentum when a project isn't working, and learning to recognize when you're exploring something emotionally meaningful versus actually moving your narrative forward.
Because your lava might be the reason you need to tell the story. But your plot is what allows an audience to experience it.
Whether you're struggling with an outline, lost in Act Two, or trying to figure out why a deeply personal project isn't coming together, this episode will help you reconnect with the heart of your story and figure out what needs to happen next.
You are not alone. Keep writing.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
Check out the TSL merch shopTSL on Instagram | TikTok
The Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 311 | The Quintessential PITCHING Crash Course w/ Jessica Sharzer
2026/09/24
Jessica Sharzer joins Meg and Lorien to give an in depth look into pitching. Not only does she get incredibly specific. Her generosity with her time and her ability to convey so succinctly and with such clarity throughout the episode is what makes her one of the best at pitching in the business.
Everything from loglines to decks to television vs. film and even answering your questions. This episode is one to replay again and again.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
https://www.coachkhatcho.com/ Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 310 | Bringing Your Phyiscal Life To Your Writing w/ Coach Khatchig Chouljian
2026/09/10
Today Joe Forte is join by fitness coach, Khatchig Chouljia for a very different way of attacking the writing process.
Coach Khatcho is s the founder and head coach of MindBodyFit, a private fitness and health coaching studio based in Glendale, California.
With his understanding of cognitive science, he brings a less is more approach to fitness. Joe and he dive into the 70 percent approach, and they dive into how Coach Khatcho's approach to fitness really is so similar to the writing process and all tips can easily apply to the page.
He also of course gives some great, quick and easy exercises to refresh after sitting at the desk for a while. Inspiring and important for your writing and your health.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
https://www.coachkhatcho.com/ Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EP. 309 | The Deepest Dive Into STRUCTURE w/ John Yorke
2026/08/27
Meg LeFauve is joined by fellow story junkie and world-leading expert in narrative and a winner of multiple awards, including BAFTAs and a Golden Globe, John Yorke. John's first book, Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them
His newest release and follow up - Trip To The Moon: Understanding The True Power of Story shifts the focus from how fictional screenplays work to how storytelling shapes the real world.
This episode covers a wide range of topics from structure to theory and more.
Story Structure and Why Stories WorkThe Midpoint as the Moment a Character Encounters the “Lesson”The Midpoint → Crisis → Climax ProgressionStorytelling as a Version of the Scientific MethodConflict and Why Writers Avoid Hurting Their CharactersCharacters, Belief Systems, and Psychological ChangeMirroring and Character OppositesTrip to the Moon and Storytelling Beyond ScreenwritingWhat are your fears for AI/Is there a use?What Makes a Great Climactic ActionCreating Emotion in the AudienceMovies vs. Television and Cliffhangers
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
https://www.johnyorkestory.com/team/john-yorke/ Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 308 | WRITING EXERCISE: Go DEEPER With Your Characters
2026/08/13
Lorien McKenna is joined by TSL producer Alex Alcheh for a really exciting exercise.
Get out your pen and paper, make 4 quadrants and follow along.
Lorien asks specific questions about YOUR LIFE to unlock the depth a character should have. They discuss character introductions and how most have such little specificity.
Lorien highlights the import to ask questions of your own life so you can ask those questions about your characters.
And, she gives one additional exercise within the exercise - The Trader Joe's Test.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 307 | Inside THE PITT'S Writers Room w/ Simran Baidwan
2026/07/30
Meg LeFauve is joined by Simran Baidwan, former power house lawyer turned brilliant writer and executive producer of HBO's hit show, THE PITT. Simran's thorough and eloquent advice for emerging writers mixed with her raw and real honesty about why The Pitt's writers room is so special is such a gift. Simran speaks on how they build a season for The Pitt. What happens when an idea shifts the plot lines for the season, and how she attempts to see it as a writing opportunity rather than an "OH S*IT" moment. And so much more!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 306 | The Importance Of Being A Writer Advocate w/ Betsy Beers
2026/07/16
Betsy Beers is a stallwart producer of film and television having been the creative partner of Shonda Rhimes at Shondaland since its inception, shepherding every project the company has ever produced from Grey's Anatomy to Bridgerton.
Lorien, Meg and Betsy dive deep into what it really means to produce at a high level and even more importantly Betsy's specific style of producing which in her words means - doing whatever is needed to make the thing go and to make the writer feel most comfortable to do their best work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 305 | Overcoming The Dreaded ACT TWO
2026/07/02
Act two is every emerging AND professional writers white whale. It is consistently the most challenging part of writing a screenplay and yet the most critical.
Lorien and Meg dive deep into how to approach Act Two, offering a piece by piece breakdown and expectation of what should occur in Act Two. Providing clear examples from some of the best films.
They also answer YOUR specific questions as well.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 304 | A Tapesetry of World Building and Characters w/ Jennifer L. Armentrout
2026/06/25
Jennifer L. Armentrout, the phenomenal New York Times Bestselling author of the Flesh and Fire Series, The Blood and Ash Series and so much more, dives deep with Lorien McKenna.
They discuss Jennifer's process and how she keeps such high concept sci/fi romance with so many worlds, timelines and characters afloat and fresh. They also talk through the challenges of the publishing world.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 303 | How To Welcome The Mess! (Ultimate Adventures In Screenwriting)
2026/06/18
Meg, Joe and Lorien have another round of The ULTIMATE Adventures In Screenwriting. Diving into their weeks which always leads to deep thoughts and important realizations.
The thesis for today's episode how to live in the mess. Not fear it, not try to rush through it but truly welcome it.
But, there is a time and place for that mess and that is on the page. They talk about the importance of clearing their email inbox, taking care of the "annoying" life things before sitting down to write and how that can be freeing.
A lot more on this very open episode.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 302 | Finding The Authenticity & Tone Of Margo's Got Money Troubles w/ Eva Anderson
2026/06/11
Meg LeFauve is joined by co-showrunner of the hit Apple series, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Eva Anderson, to talk all things crafting one of the best series of the year.
She gives keen insight into her time on Your The Worst, where she really learned how to break a season. As well as what she learned from being a playwright and working in reality television.
Meg and Eva deep dive into what it's like to work with television giant, David E. Kelly, and how going against character expectation can be a major blessing.
Eva has hired a first time television writer for the season 2 room of Margo. Her insight into why she chose this writer may be a bit different than you'd expect.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 301 | The Shakespearean Level Stakes of NEMESIS w/ Courtney A. Kemp
2026/06/04
Lorien McKenna is joined by Co-Creator and showrunner of the hit Netflix Series Nemesis. Courtney talks about seeing her protagonists in ACTION, how she created worthy adversaries, and how the pilot really is the show. Courtney adores Shakespeare and highlights how season 6 of her first smash hit, Power is as she says "Richard The Third". A fabulous episode filled with incredible inspiration for new and emerging writers.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 300 | SHOP TALK: Can You And SHOULD You Work On Multiple Projects?
2026/05/28
Lorien McKenna and Joe Forte hop into the shop to get specific and about their work. Answering the question of multiple projects. How many projects are too many? How do they keep track of ideas and projects?
Does multiple projects mean writing only or can another art form feed your writing?
A beautifully insightful episode.
Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops.
Episode Links:
Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram | TikTokThe Screenwriting Life is produced and edited by Alex Alcheh.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 299 | Lessons From Judd Apatow & Being In The Cut! w/ Andrew Jay Cohen
2026/05/21
Joe sits down with Writer/Director/Producer Andrew Jay Cohen who is in the thick of post production on his latest directorial offering, Soapbox written by Max Barbakow and David Duchovny.
Before diving into the weeds with his directorial and post production process, Andrew gives insight on what he took from his time working alongside Judd Apatow for a number of years on films like Anchorman, 40 Year Old Virgin and more.
Andrew is incredibly honest about his perfectionist streak and the freedom that Apatow's approach to the script and production gave him.
He also talks about what having a critical & box office bomb taught him and how his first major success, Neighbors was a dream come true.
He dives into a bit of the post production process for Soapbox with Joe. Gems Gems Gems!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast reviews
Read The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna podcast reviews
Arabella_4155 2026/08/06
Invaluable Encouragement and Information
I found this podcast as a young screenwriting student and immediately connected with Meg and Lorien’s advice. Episodes continue to unfold as you re-li...
rkmcallister 2026/05/19
Changed How I Think About My Own Work
I first came to TSL when Meg and Lorien pulled my name out of a hat for an AFF podcast episode to talk about my script Ghostboy. What I didn't expect ...
RomComWriter65 2026/04/24
Lost its Spark
I’ve been a longtime listener and participant on the Circle + FB communities. I know I share this sentiment with other listeners, as we’ve been talkin...
Aimee Christina 2026/04/01
Craft + industry reality, in equal measure
I’ve been on a five year journey developing my TV series pilot and this show has been my constant companion. Meg and Lorien don’t just talk craft, the...
M.I.WOLF 2026/02/01
Great Hosts
The hosts of this show are great! However, they need to thoroughly vet the integrity of their guests. I am quite familiar with one featured individu...
DaisyCanDo 2025/12/30
Inspiring podcast
One of my favorite podcasts! I find so much inspiration in every episode. The content, knowledge and support that Meg and Lorien provide is always ast...
KristenNBallard 2025/12/11
GREAT listen
Love this podcast! It’s so helpful, and they cover the exact topics I’m interested in. When I listen to it I feel like I’m getting insight into the in...
Ken Carson 2025/11/28
Overall great advice, bad imposter syndrome episodes
I want to start by saying that this is overall a great podcast. However, if we could review specific episodes I will say the two-part episode on impos...
fridgemangos 2025/11/21
Favorite Podcast of All Time!!!
Insightful questions, exciting guests, candid conversations, and heartfelt advice. I listen to this podcast whenever I need inspiration, and it always...
l0vejaimex 2025/10/22
Wonderful
Need this podcast
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