Podcast Episodes
Back to Search
The publishing world is changing. Jane Friedman tells us how.
Episode 1086
1086. What does it really take to earn a living as a writer? Jane Friedman explains the multiple paths writers take — from speaking and consulting to…
1 year, 2 months ago
Why 'plz' might be pushing people away. How to write better thank-you notes. Studaloo
Episode 1085
1085. Do abbreviations like “plz” and “ty” actually make your texts feel less sincere? New research suggests they might. We explore how shortened wor…
1 year, 2 months ago
Why simplified spelling nearly took over America (and why it didn't), with Gabe Henry
Episode 1084
1084. This week, Gabe Henry talks about his new book, "Enough Is Enuf," and the long, strange quest to simplify English spelling. Learn why the "Chic…
1 year, 3 months ago
Why 'wake' is so confusing. The playful language of vacations.
Episode 1083
1083. Is it "woke," "woken," or "waked"? We break down why the verb "wake" is one of the trickiest in English, with four competing forms and centurie…
1 year, 3 months ago
Ambrose Bierce, from ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ to disappearing in Mexico, with Jim Norrena
Episode 1082
1082. Copy editor Jim Norrena joins us this week for a conversation about Ambrose Bierce, his famous "Devil's Dictionary," and his darkly funny take …
1 year, 3 months ago
Why 'epitome' is confusing. Quirky stories behind baby animal names. Alice doors
Episode 1081
1081. Is an epitome a summary or a shining example? We look at why this word trips people up and how its meaning has changed over time. Then, we take…
1 year, 3 months ago
How YouTubers' voices evolve, with Andrew Cheng
Episode 1080
1080. Linguist Andrew Cheng explains why people’s accents shift over time, especially when they move—and how YouTubers make perfect data subjects. If…
1 year, 3 months ago
What dictionary labels tell us about words. Why we say 'mama'. DU, STU, and LO.
Episode 1079
1079. Ever wonder what labels like "informal," "archaic," or "offensive" mean in a dictionary entry? We explain how different dictionaries use labels…
1 year, 3 months ago
The secret to writing ‘the same but different,’ with Mary Robinette Kowal
Episode 1078
1078. Mary Robinette Kowal talks about going from writing magic-filled Regency romances to Hugo-nominated science fiction, what it's like to work wit…
1 year, 3 months ago
'Lit' vs. 'lighted.' The mysteries of the dollar sign. Redd up.
Episode 1077
1077. Is it “lit” or “lighted”? Both are correct, but we look at how their popularity has switched over time. Then we investigate four of the competi…
1 year, 3 months ago