Sam and Jim go to Hollywood

Ageism? Sexism? Racism? That's the big listener mail topic this time. There's more mail, of course, and the inevitable career update (hint: we're being flown to Seattle! Woo-hoo!)

That's a good time for things to happen in a screenplay. In real life, though, it's a good time to do a podcast. While we're waiting for, well, anything to happen, we do a quick career check-in and answer MORE listener mail.

That's what they call it when you're up for a staff job... ...but they haven't called your name yet. A little career update and lots of listener Q&A, including our thoughts on videogame writing.

Three years of podcasting, forty shows in the can... and finally, we listen to our audience. This episode: listener mail, and some overview on what we've learned so far.

At long last, the WGA strike is over. What does it mean for the future of Hollywood? More importantly, what does it mean for us?

TV is in BIG trouble. We applied for a WGA program to train future showrunners -- and damned if they didn't accept us...

The WGA strike is all about the Internet... Why? Because it's the future -- for all of us. An inside take on what's going on and our thoughts about where Hollywood is heading. Get ready: everything you know is about to change.

Still walking and waiting... An update from the picket lines, some thoughts on the latest contract offer, Sam's mom is finally impressed, and a shout out for help on our new projects.

The second installment of our strike series. The deadline passed. Now we're on the picket lines. The latest updates, and why you shouldn't even think about scab work.

The Stephen King pilot is turned in... ...just in time for a strike. What it all looks like through the smoke as California burns...

...You might get another podcast Or, in our case, find yourself pondering more career options than you ever expected. Each with complications you never anticipated, too. PS: in big bold letters, let us say here and now, WE'RE SORRY it took so freakin' long to get this episode made. As we'll explain, we've been, well, kinda busy.

...You might get another podcast Or, in our case, find yourself pondering more career options than you ever expected. Each with complications you never anticipated, too. PS: in big bold letters, let us say here and now, WE'RE SORRY it took so freakin' long to get this episode made. As we'll explain, we've been, well, kinda busy.

A nice place to visit... ...which is good, cause we sorta live there. Further reflections on this whole being on staff experience as we write our first episode of The Dead Zone and prepare to send it into production.

A nice place to visit... ...which is good, cause we sorta live there. Further reflections on this whole being on staff experience as we write our first episode of The Dead Zone and prepare to send it into production.

Finally! Reflections on finally getting to the place we set out to reach so long ago: the writers' room.

Finally! Reflections on finally getting to the place we set out to reach so long ago: the writers' room.

Our journey enters a new phase... ...or so we hope. This is a big (and much-delayed) update on developments in our career -- and our personal battles with our own hearts and minds.

Our journey enters a new phase... ...or so we hope. This is a big (and much-delayed) update on developments in our career -- and our personal battles with our own hearts and minds.

Do you need one? Of course. But when? And why? Just what DO they do?

Do you need one? Of course. But when? And why? Just what DO they do?

His book sold a million copies... but can we sell one TV show based on it? Months of hard work are put to the test as we start making the rounds to the networks.

His book sold a million copies... but can we sell one TV show based on it? Months of hard work are put to the test as we start making the rounds to the networks.

Moving your story to the next level... it ain't easy, but it has to be done. We've got a few thougths for you that might help, and, as always, a career update.

Moving your story to the next level... it ain't easy, but it has to be done. We've got a few thougths for you that might help, and, as always, a career update.

Perseverance is the key... ...to getting through the door in Hollywood, despite the rejections. But getting in isn't the end: you still have to find inner strength to push ahead. We talk about some books and experiences with this struggle, and share our own tips.

Perseverance is the key... ...to getting through the door in Hollywood, despite the rejections. But getting in isn't the end: you still have to find inner strength to push ahead. We talk about some books and experiences with this struggle, and share our own tips.

Talk is cheap... but getting people to listen means investing in your idea. You need to take your time, groom your message and learn to spend your words wisely. For TV, film or even a podcast, the pitch is crucial.

Talk is cheap... but getting people to listen means investing in your idea. You need to take your time, groom your message and learn to spend your words wisely. For TV, film or even a podcast, the pitch is crucial.

Yes, it's A Very Special Episode. No, Sam hasn't gone suicidal on us. But instead of talking Hollywood, we're asking for your help. We're plotting a new podcast with skits and song -- hell, it might even be funny.

Yes, it's A Very Special Episode. No, Sam hasn't gone suicidal on us. But instead of talking Hollywood, we're asking for your help. We're plotting a new podcast with skits and song -- hell, it might even be funny.