Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss

Recent Episodes

156
Aug. 6, 2026

Take 156 - Showrunner Erica Messer, Criminal Minds Evolution, Party of Five, Alias

We have the excellent Erica Messer on the show. She tells her story of moving from temp to writer, the greats she learned from and how she got to work on some of the most iconic shows of our time. What she learned from being a bartender, the joy of studio lots and how she coped with working on a dark show like Criminal Minds and being a mother. A fun, informative and in-depth chat with someone whose been in some of Hollywood’s most iconic writing rooms.
155
July 9, 2026

Take 155 - Executive producer, director Minkie Spiro, All Her Fault, 3 Body Problem, Rat Women

We have the remarkable Minkie Spiro on the show. Heavily Emmy nominated for All Her Fault, she talks about her start in documentaries, the family disapproval of her career choices and what she learned on Holby City. We talk about being pissed on by rats and what that teaches you about life, she uses some great British phrases and we discuss award shows. We talk Downton Abbey, 3 Body Problem and show producing compared to directing. One of our funniest and most brightest episodes with a
154
May 22, 2026

Take 154 - Showrunner and Creator Craig Gerber, Sofia the First, Elena of Avalor

A true fairytale today as we talk to Craig Gerber, creator of Disney princess shows galore. He tells us his fascinating tale of fairies that led him to create Sofia the First while stuck in a traffic jam, the joy of working at Disney and presentation and diversity in writing rooms. He talks about his early career struggles, creating the new Sofia the First: Royal Magic show and what next for his writing career. A heartwarming tale of success in Hollywood articulately told.
153
May 14, 2026

Take 153 - Showrunners and Writers Kristin Robinson and Ian Deitchman, It’s Not Like That

We welcome the dynamic writing duo of Ian Deitchman and Kristin Robinson to the show. We talk about celebrating wins together, the mechanics of a writing pair and their new show It’s Not Like That. They tell us why they have a shared inbox, being mistaken for a couple couple and the changing dynamics of writing rooms. A deep dive into the world of writing partners navigating today’s TV landscape.
152
April 16, 2026

Take 152 - Writer, producer, director Thom Harp, Home Delivery, The Donor Party

What a nice man! We have Thom Harp on the show to talk movies, pitches and being nice. We talk persistence, writing what you know and getting the best out of your team. Thom describes the frustrations of years of pushing, how he made the most of the Covid opportunity by listening to sensible advice and the joy of working in a job you love. A really fun, informative and engaging chat.
151
April 9, 2026

Take 151 - Showrunner, Writer Courtney Lilly, Black-ish, Everyone Hates Chris

We have the impressive Courtney Lilly on the show. He talks about the state of Hollywood, being in the same storm but a different boat and the luck it takes to succeed. We hear about his start as a journalist, showrunning on a show created by someone else and the importance of Morpheus. Why Black-ish was a success, talented actors over good writing and the importance and value of diversity. A fascinating and insightful interview full of self-reflection, nuggets of wisdom and candour.