The podcast that shares stories
Ali interviews author and TV writer, Nick Adams, whose writing credits include New Girl, black•ish, People of Earth, Tuca & Bertie and BoJack Horseman. Nick shares what his process was for writing his book, Making Friends with Black People, what it’s like working in a TV writers’ room, favorite jokes he’s contributed, hitting a crucial story beat in one of the final episodes of BoJack he wrote, “Xerox of a Xerox,” plus his advice for aspiring TV writers.
Be sure to follow Nick on Twitter.
Ali discusses the last season of BoJack Horseman, sharing her thoughts on the final arcs for BoJack, Diane, Princess Carolyn, Todd and Mr. Peanutbutter. She also talks about the brilliant penultimate episode, “The View From Halfway Down,” sharing a few behind-the-scene tidbits along the way, and she praises the series finale, “Nice While It Lasted,” as a wonderful send-off to this exceptional show. Afterward, she shares a BoJack Horseman story she wrote to coincide with the final season called “Nothing Unsaid.”
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Be sure to also check out BoJack Horseman + “Temporarily Forget.”
Ali discusses her favorite show about a group of lovable weirdos, New Girl, created by Liz Meriwether. She shares her favorite episodes from each season, touching on hilarious one-liners, heartwarming couple milestones and sweet friendship moments that make this series the perfect blend of humorous and heartfelt. Afterward, she shares a New Girl story she wrote called “Again.”
Read an earlier draft of the original New Girl pilot.
Ali and returning guest, Casey, discuss the long-running series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, created by Rob McElhenney. They discuss favorite episodes, character-defining moments and hilarious quotes, plus their thoughts on the gang’s dynamic and the clever anti-sitcom mentality of the show.
Be sure to also check out Musical Mania with Casey Reed.
Ali discusses the Christmas specials of South Park, starting with the two animated short films that led to the series, The Spirit of Christmas: Jesus vs. Frosty (1992) and The Spirit of Christmas: Jesus vs. Santa (1995), followed by all of the classic Christmas episodes from the show: “Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo” (season 1), “Merry Christmas, Charlie Manson!” (season 2), “Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics” (season 3), “A Very Crappy Christmas” (season 4), “Red Sleigh Down” (season 6), “It’s Christmas in Canada” (season 7) and “Woodland Critter Christmas” (season 8).
Ali discusses the beloved Christmas special based on the song of the same name, Frosty the Snowman, sharing her favorite moments and why it still makes her emotional every year.
Ali interviews Emmy award-winning writer, lyricist and composer, David Steven Cohen, whose credits include Pee-wee’s Playhouse, ALF, Arthur, Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, Balto and many other projects, including serving as the head writer on Courage the Cowardly Dog. David shares how he got his start, notable moments in his career, favorite episodes and songs he’s written, his experience as the executive producer of the Writers Guild Awards, advice for up and coming writers, what he’s currently working on and much more!
Check out David’s website, dstevencohen.com, and be sure to follow him on Twitter.
Read a few of his Courage the Cowardly Dog scripts: dstevencohen.com/scripts
Ali discusses the TV movie, Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie, written by series creator, Craig Bartlett, along with Joe Purdy, Laura Sreebny and Justin Charlebois. She recaps all her favorite moments while reliving the excitement of this long-awaited movie. Afterward, she shares another Hey Arnold! story she wrote called “Audaciously Flirting.”
Be sure to also check out Hey Arnold! + “Care.”
Ali discusses the fantastically creepy cartoon, Courage the Cowardly Dog, created by John R. Dilworth. She reminisces about lines she and her siblings would always quote, terrifying villains that freaked her out as a kid and why Courage is the perfect protagonist for always facing his fears to protect his owners since, as he always says, “The things I do for love.”
Ali discusses storytelling clichés including hackneyed phrases, stereotypical characters, love triangles, miscommunications and many other tropes.
Storytelling Saga 