The 41 best writing podcasts every writer should subscribe to right now
Writing is rewarding, but often-lonely work. Podcasts are a great way to learn, get inspired, and find community. Whether you’re a copywriter, creative writer, blogger, author, UX writer, or content writer, honing your craft will help you land better jobs and find fulfillment in your work.
We’ve rounded up the 40 best podcasts for writers and organized them into categories to help you find your next listen. These podcasts will teach you how to make a living as a writer, how to become a better writer, how to become a published author, and all about the history language itself.
No matter what kind of writer you are or what aspirations you have, this list of writing podcasts has you covered.
How to make a living as a writer
1. Freelance Writing Coach
In their new podcast, Freelance Writing Coach, Kaleigh Moore and Emma Siemasko share how they’ve built fulfilling, six-figure freelance writing businesses. They cover the ins and outs of writing and what it really takes to be in business for yourself. Listening to it feels like you’re talking to a wise friend.
They talk openly and honestly about setting rates, client boundaries, creating digital products, loneliness, and much more. Each episode is 30 minutes long and they release an entire season of episodes at once—you’ll want to binge it!
Who should listen:
Freelance writers looking to build fulfilling and lucrative careers who are tired of advice that feel outdated or inaccessible.
Where you can listen:
2. High-Income Business Writing Podcast
Hosted by Ed Gandia, High-Income Business Writing helps ambitious freelancers reach six-figures by teaching you how to get better clients, earn more in less time, and bring more freedom and ease into your business. It’s a no-fluff, actionable podcast.
Episodes include case studies, interviews with experts in the field, and a range of quick tips and ideas for writers and copywriters. Ed shares a few 2-5 minute clips each week along with monthly 30-60 minute interviews.
Who should listen:
You’re committed to building a six-figure business as a writer and are looking for advice from experts who have done the same.
Where you can listen:
3. Create If Writing
Create If Writing helps writers and bloggers build an authentic platform online. Host Kirsten Oliphant interviews experts on the ups and downs of list-building, social media marketing, advertising, and content strategy.
Kirsten is a self-published author with 11 years of blogging experience. She has a wealth of experience that she’s keen to share with others. Episodes are 30-60 minutes long and released weekly.
Who should listen:
Writers and bloggers who are keen to build their own audience or platform online.
Where to listen:
4. 7-Figure Small with Brian Clark
Previously called Unemployable, 7-Figure Small is a podcast by serial digital entrepreneur Brian Clark. With 20 plus years of experience, Brain shares actionable tips and strategies for freelancers looking to build a personal enterprise. While this podcast isn’t strictly about writing, it’s invaluable for those looking to understand the changing landscape of content creation as well as what it takes to earn seven-figures.
Episodes include interviews with successful creators and entrepreneurs such as Seth Godin, Tim Ferriss, Jenny Blake, Kathleen Shannon, and Gary Vaynerchuk. Brian also shares solo and roundtable style episodes to discuss industry trends. Episodes are 30-90 minutes in length.
Who should listen:
Anyone interested in transitioning from freelancing to entrepreneurship and is wondering what it takes to earn seven-figures in today’s digital landscape.
Where you can listen:
5. The Writing Coach Podcast with Rebecca L. Weber
Rebecca L. Weber, the host of The Writing Coach Podcast, coaches you on the skill development and mindset shifts needed to become a successful independent writer. She’s committed to teaching freelancers how to succeed by learning how to identify the wants and needs of your audience, your editors, and yourself.
Topics covered include how to deal with imposter syndrome, how to improve time management, how to stop procrastinating, how to pitch your work, how to get out of a cycle of under-earning, and how to find meaning in your work. Episodes are 5-30 minutes long and make a great break in your work day.
Who should listen:
Freelance writers struggling with overwhelm, imposter syndrome, writer’s block, and marketing your work.
Where you can listen:
6. Creative Class
Creative Class is a podcast for freelancers. While not specifically for writers, it offers valuable and actionable advice on every aspect of building a business as a freelancer. You’ll learn about how to price your services, how and when to build products, how to attract better clients, and how to protect yourself legally.
Co-hosted by Kaleigh Moore, a writer and six-figure business owner, and Paul Jarvis, an author with 20+ years of freelance experience, this podcast is a must listen for anyone who is self employed. Episodes run from 15-30 minutes.
Who should listen:
All freelance writers and content creators who struggle with the ins and outs of running a business including marketing themselves and pricing their products or services.
Where to listen:
Copywriting and content strategy
1. The Copywriter Club Podcast
The Copywriter Club Podcast is the go-to podcast for in-depth interviews with expert copywriters. Co-hosted by Kira Hug and Rob March, each week they share a new in-depth interview with a successful copywriter or content creator. It’s the closest you’ll get to being able to hang out with these successful writers yourself.
Their guests share copywriting advice, best practices, what rates to charge, how to build sales funnels, and how to market yourself. Each episode is 60-90 minutes.
Who should listen:
Freelancers wanting inspiration to help you think bigger and take your writing business to the next level.
Where you can listen:
2. Copy That Pops
Copy That Pops explores the intersection of writing, psychology, and business. Host Laura Petersen is a math and psychology teacher turned best-selling author and entrepreneur who teaches you how to ethically apply the principles of persuasion to your writing.
Topics include brainstorming book ideas, self-publishing, writing and launching an Amazon bestseller, and the psychology of copywriting. Laura shares bite-sized 5-10 minutes episodes along with longer 60 minute episodes.
Who should listen:
Writers interested in how they can use psychology to help them write better and self-publish books that sell.
Where you can listen:
3. Good Copy, Bad Copy
From Radix Communications, Good Copy, Bad Copy is a B2B copywriting podcast for technology writers. Episodes are dense and dive deep on topics you won’t find elsewhere.
Topics covered include telling stories with data, managing stakeholders, content for the public sector, and applying Lean-Agile practices to B2B content creation. Episodes are 30-60 minutes in length and feature interviews with prominent writers in the tech industry.
Who should listen:
B2B copywriters in technology marketing looking for in-depth advice and trend exploration.
Where you can listen:
4. Copy Chief Radio
Copy Chief Radio is focused on sharing timeless, effective copywriting and marketing tactics along with what’s trending in the ever-changing landscape of marketing. Host Kevin Rogers does a good job of balancing fundamentals with current trends.
Episodes feature inspiring and instructive interviews with freelance copywriters who are forging their own paths in their respective fields. Episodes are 20-60 minutes long and released every other week.
Who should listen:
Freelance copywriters and marketers looking for actionable advice from those a little further ahead on the path.
Where you can listen:
5. Writers of Silicon Valley
Writers of Silicon Valley is a podcast on all things UX writing, content design, and content strategy. Hosted by Patrick Stafford, it uncovers the growing and lucrative world of writers who work closely with design teams to build remarkable software products.
Patrick interviews successful UX writers from Figma, Netflix, Adobe, Google, Spotify, Dropbox, and other tech giants. Episodes are 30-60 minutes long and a new one is released each month.
Who should listen:
Anyone looking to break into the profitable tech writing niche of UX writing.
Where you can listen:
How to become a better writer
1. Longform
Longform has been around since 2012 and is one of the best known writing podcasts out there. It features interviews with writers, journalists, filmmakers, and podcasters to uncover how they do their work. It’s hosted by Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky, and Evan Ratliff.
They interview writers from around the world in a wide range of industries. Episodes feature interviews with journalists, editors, authors, and podcast hosts from recognizable publications like Radiolab, The Washington Post, Wired, and The Verge. Episodes are 30-70 minutes long.
Who should listen:
Anyone curious about the process and career arc of other writers. You’ll find this podcast inspiring, engaging, and expansive.
Where you can listen:
2. Write Now with Sarah Werner
Sarah Werner is an award-winning podcaster and writer and the host of Write Now. Write Now is a podcast for aspiring and professional writers who are looking to pursue their passion and build a healthy work-life balance.
Sarah shares encouragement, advice, and inspiration that’ll encourage you to write every day and face the emotional and mental pitfalls that come along with establishing a regular writing practice. Episodes are released weekly and are roughly 30 minutes long.
Who should listen:
Aspiring and professional writers looking for a regular dose of encouragement and support that feels like it’s coming from a friend.
Where you can listen:
3. I Should Be Writing
I Should Be Writing is an award-winning podcast for new writers. Hosted by Mur Lafferty, it’s been around since 2005 and now also streams live on Twitch. Mur uses the show to document the ups and downs of building a writing career by sharing stories from her own life and interviewing others.
Mur Lafferty is a talented, engaging host and it’s easy to get hooked on her show. She focuses mostly on the emotional roadblocks you’ll find as your writing career progresses. Episodes are 20-40 minutes long.
Who should listen:
New writers who are unsure how to start and keep going in their writing careers.
Where to listen:
4. 10-Minute Writer’s Workshop
The 10-Minute Writer’s Workshop was an interview series from NHPR that gave a behind the scenes look at how great writers develop their craft. While it’s no longer being produced, there are two years and 60 episodes worth of archives for you to listen to.
The podcast featured bestselling authors and Pulitzer Prize winning writers such as Jennifer Egan, Dan Brown, Krista Tippett, Roxane Gay, and Celeste Ng. At 10 minutes each, these quick listens are a great way to take a break and give yourself a boost in your work day.
Who should listen:
Aspiring and professional writers who are curious about the careers and processes of their favourite authors.
Where to listen:
5. Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
As the name suggests, Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing is an educational podcast sharing short, actionable tips to improve your writing. This five-time award winning podcast is hosted by Mignon Fogarty and boasts an archive of over 600 episodes for you to browse through. Consider it your friendly guide to the English language.
Each episode contains tips on grammar, punctuation, style, history, and even the business of writing. Episodes are 10-20 minutes long and released weekly.
Who should listen:
Writers who have English as their first or second language who want short, easily digestible tips to improve their writing.
Where you can listen:
6. DIY MFA Radio
DIY MFA Radio host Gabriela Pereira shows you how to take your writing from average to awesome with this MFA speaker series style radio show. She interviews bestselling authors, writing teachers, and publishing industry insiders to uncover the tools needed to develop your craft.
Each episode digs deep on an element of the craft of writing, the business or writing, or both. Past guests include Delia Ephron, Tana French, and Guy Kawasaki. Episodes are 45-60 minutes long.
Who should listen:
Aspiring or published authors who want to fine tune their craft and better understand the publishing world.
Where to listen:
7. 88 Cups of Tea
88 Cups of Tea is a podcast and online community that shares a wealth of writing inspiration, resources, and author and agent interviews. It’s run by a group of creative writers who are upbeat, uplifting, and truly invested in bringing more joy to the process of writing.
They discuss overcoming rejection, lifestyle habits to support your heart and soul, and what it means to build a life as a creative. Episodes are 40-75 minutes long. Their website has essays, articles, and an archive of over 200 past episodes for you to explore.
Who should listen:
Personal and professional writers who want inspiration and encouragement to pursue their creative path.
Where to listen:
8. Writers Who Don’t Write
Co-hosts Jeff Umbro and Kyle Craner started the Writers Who Don’t Write podcast to overcome their own fears of writing. It slowly grew into a multi-year project that helped other writers tell their own stories of overcoming difficulties in their careers. Each interview is vulnerable and inspiring.
They’ve interviewed Tim Urban, Mark Manson, Stephanie Danler, Claire Messud, and many other successful writers. Episodes run 30-75 minutes.
Who should listen:
Anyone who’s currently feeling challenged in their writing career and wants a reminder that they’re not alone.
Where to listen:
9. The Portfolio Life with Jeff Goins
The Portfolio Life is a podcast hosted by author, blogger, and entrepreneur Jeff Goins. He shares ideas and advice to help creatives discover their voice and pursue work that matters. While not solely focused on writing, this podcast is wonderful inspiration for writers who are eager to turn their craft into a business.
The podcast features both solo episodes and interviews with other creatives. Topics covered include building your first product, identifying the kind of creator you are, gaining traction as a creative, and the secret to innovative work. Episodes are 15-75 minutes long.
Who should listen:
Writers who want to build a business doing work that matters to them and makes a difference to others.
Where you can listen:
10. Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach
Anna Kreoker’s self-titled podcast Anna Kroeker, Writing Coach helps writers at all stages find motivation. She teaches you how to identify and reach your writing goals while having fun and staying creative. Anna shares ideas and inspiration that you can immediately apply to your work.
Anna shares solo episodes and interviews with other publishing professionals. Episodes are anywhere from 10-60 minutes and feel like an encouraging boost from a personal coach.
Who should listen:
Aspiring and professional writers who are looking to improve their process, be more productive, and stay inspired. Anna will help you build practices that support your work.
Where you can listen:
11. First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing
First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing is a literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with fiction, non-fiction, and poetry writers. Host Mitzi Rapkin talks with her guests about their work, how they approach their craft, and the literary arts in general. It’s a celebration of creative writing in its many forms.
Guests of the show include Elizabeth Gilbert, Dani Shapiro, Saeed Jones, James Salter, and many more well-known and emerging writers. Each episode is between 30-60 minutes and new interviews are released weekly.
Who should listen:
Creative writing lovers and aspiring authors who are curious about the art of bringing their words to print.
Where you can listen:
12. StoryADay
StoryADay offers short episodes to help you learn how much you're capable of writing in a month. Host Julie Duffy encourages you to write every day and teaches you how to keep that commitment up for the rest of your life.
Each episode is 10-20 minutes long and focuses on one topic and one writing assignment. Topics covered include how to focus, building persistence, getting feedback, leaving a legacy, and how to get unstuck.
Who should listen:
Professional writers who want to build a daily, lifelong writing practice.
Where you can listen:
13. Writing Excuses
Learn better writing techniques quickly in these fast-paced, short episodes from Writing Excuses. The show is hosted by Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler and it’s a long-time favourite for many writers.
They cover a range of informative and interesting topics such as poetic language, publishing pitfalls, audiobook narration, writing endings, and dealing with discomfort. Episodes are roughly 15 minutes long and released weekly.
Who should listen:
Any writer eager to improve their writing technique and prefers short-form podcasts.
Where you can listen:
14. Story Grid Podcast
The Story Grid Podcast teaches you how to become a better storyteller. Co-hosts Shawn Coyne, the author of Story Grid, and Tim Grahl, a self-proclaimed struggling writer, discuss the ins and outs of what makes great writing.
The podcast features interviews with authors, instructional episodes where they take you through an aspect of storytelling, such as the Hero’s Journey, and literary analysis where they breakdown well known books chapter by chapter. Episodes are 10-60 minutes long.
Who should listen:
Writers interested in improving the developmental arc of the stories they tell.
Where you can listen:
15. The Mythcreant Podcast
As the name alludes, Mythcreants is a podcast for storytellers of fantasy and science fiction. The hosts geek out on all aspects of writing fantasy and science fiction and have a great time doing it. The show is entertaining, informative, and always leaves you with something to think about.
Topics covered include bias-free language, flat characters, fan fiction, crafting satisfying resolutions in your stories, and more. Episodes are 30 minutes long.
Who should listen:
Writers of fantasy and science fiction who want to impact the genre.
Where you can listen:
16. The Writing Life
Produced by the National Centre for Writing, The Writing Life is a podcast for writers of all descriptions. It’s focused on the writing journeys and techniques of well known authors. They talk about early careers, self-publishing, and narrative design.
They’ve interviewed literary giants like Margaret Atwood, Sara Collins, Antti Tuomainen, Elif Shafak, and others. Episodes are 30-75 minutes long and released weekly.
Who should listen:
Writers who want to learn about the early careers and journeys of the authors they love.
Where you can listen:
Linguistics and the history of language
1. Lingthusiasm
Described as “joyously nerdy” by Buzzfeed, Lingthusiasm is a linguistics podcast hosted by Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne. They explore the roots and impact of language in a delightful, deep, and engaging way.
Topics include the value of small talk, how translators approach text, the versatility of language, and why spelling is hard. New episodes are released monthly and average 40 minutes in length.
Who should listen:
Anyone ready to nerd out on the history and possibilities of words, language, and how we communicate.
Where you can listen:
2. Because Language
Because Language (previously called Talk the Talk) is a social sciences podcast about linguistics and the science of language. It’s hosted by Daniel Midgley, Ben Ainslie, and Hedvig Skirgård. They interview writers, educators, linguists, and social scientists to explore how words shape the world we live in.
This podcast is an accessible and fun way to learn about linguistics. You’ll learn plenty of facts that will impress your friends, improve your writing, and make you more aware of the world around you. Episodes are between 60-120 minutes long.
Who should listen:
Writers wanting to keep up to date with the world of linguistics and how it shapes our culture.
Where you can listen:
3. The History of English Podcast
The History of English is a chronological history of the English language examined through the historical events that have shaped the development and spread of the language. Each episode is incredibly detailed and well researched. Written, hosted, and produced by Kevin Stroud, this podcast is a hidden gem for history and language lovers alike.
Kevin began the podcast in 2012 by exploring the roots of English among the herding culture of the Indo-Europeans and their migration throughout Europe and Asia, and is now covering the emergence of Modern English in the wake of the printing press. Episodes are roughly 60 minutes long and new ones are released every month.
Who should listen:
History lovers who enjoy learning about language through storytelling.
Where you can listen:
4. Lexicon Valley
Lexicon Valley is a Slate podcast hosted by linguist, professor, and author John McWhorter. It explores questions about why we speak, read, and write the way we do. Episodes are entertaining, instructive, and strangely delightful.
Topics covered include syntax, etymology, neurolinguistics, language pet peeves, and how languages die. Each episode is roughly 60 minutes long and new ones are released every week or two.
Who should listen:
Anyone fascinated by why and how we communicate as well as how language shapes culture.
Where you can listen:
5. A Way With Words
A Way with Words is a light-hearted radio show about language and linguistics. Co-hosts Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett talk with callers from all over the world to examine language through the lens of family, history, and culture. They talk about slang, riddles, old sayings, new words, common expressions, regional dialects, folklore, and all types of literature.
A Way with Words has been published since 1998 so there’s a huge wealth of archives to explore. Episodes average 60 minutes in length.
Who should listen:
Language and linguistics lovers who want to know everything about words and how we use them.
Where you can listen:
How to become a published author
1. Minorities in Publishing
Minorities in Publishing is a podcast hosted by publishing professionals Bev Rivero and Jenn Baker to explore diversity (or lack thereof) in the publishing industry. They interview writers, editors, agents, marketers, illustrators, and publishers who work both independently and in-house.
They talk about both the larger systemic issues of marginalized representation in the media and guests’ personal experience navigating their respective fields. Episodes are between 30-60 minutes long and new interviews are released monthly.
Who should listen:
Emerging, marginalized writers who are looking to better understand and navigate the world of publishing.
Where you can listen:
2. The Bestseller Experiment
Co-hosts Mark Stay, an author and screenwriter, and Mark Desvaux, an entrepreneur and recording artist, share what it takes to write and market a best selling book. The Bestseller Experiment interviews publishers, editors, writers, and social media specialists who have had chart-topping success to learn how they did it.
Topics covered include everything from writing to publishing to marketing. Interviews are roughly 60 minutes long. They also share short 3-10 minute “Deep Dive” episodes to give you quick hits of actionable inspiration.
Who should listen:
Aspiring authors interested in writing, self-publishing, and marketing a bestselling book in just one year.
Where to listen:
3. AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
The Alliance of Independent Authors’ Self-Publishing Advice Podcast covers every aspect of self-publishing for beginners through to advanced writers. Director and co-host Orna Ross interviews successful self-published authors to share the most up-to-date information on this rapidly changing industry.
Episodes are posted twice weekly and range from 10-40 minutes in length. They feature inspiring interviews, actionable advice, and analysis of industry trends.
Who should listen:
Aspiring authors wanting to self-publish their own fiction, non-fiction, or poetry books.
Where to listen:
4. So You Want to be a Writer
So You Want to be a Writer is a podcast from the Australian Writers’ Centre. It’s hosted by two successful journalists and authors, Valerie Khoo and Allison Tait. They share trends, opportunities, and the occasional piece of gossip in the publishing industry.
In their “Writer In Residence” series they interview published authors to uncover exactly how they got their big break. You’ll learn practical writing tips and get an insiders look at the industry. Episodes are 30-75 minutes long.
Who should listen:
Writers who want to know what it takes to break into the publishing industry.
Where to listen:
5. Dead Robots’ Society
Dead Robots’ Society is a group of aspiring writers who interview other aspiring writers on their journey to becoming published authors. It’s hosted by Justin Macumber, Paul Elard Cooley, and Terry Mixon.
Longtime fans of the show enjoy the hosts for their honesty, camaraderie, and wit. It offers listeners solidarity and encouragement to continue writing. With a wealth of experience between them, there’s also a ton of valuable advice throughout.
Who should listen:
Writers and aspiring authors who are feeling isolated and want some company on their journey to being published.
Where you can listen:
6. Helping Writers Become Authors
Helping Writers Become Authors does what it promises, helps you write and edit a book that agents and readers will buy. Host K.M. Weiland talks about finding inspiration, crafting engaging characters, outlining and structuring novels, and editing.
The show pays particular attention to helping you write a novel that you’re not only proud of but also sells. She goes deep into character arcs, honing your storytelling skills, and how to develop your cognitive functions to become a better thinker and writer. Episodes are 10-20 minutes long and released weekly.
Who should listen:
Aspiring novelists who want to improve the quality of the stories they tell and create something an agent will buy.
Where you can listen:
7. Write or Die Podcast
The Write or Die Podcast shares the gritty truth of what it takes to become an author. Hosted by authors Claribel A. Ortega and Kat Cho, this podcast features the stories of writers who have gone through it all in order to now live out their dreams. It offers solidarity and inspiration to aspiring authors.
This podcast is sharp, funny, and doesn’t shy away from the more taboo aspects of writing and publishing. Episodes are released weekly and average 60 minutes in length.
Who should listen:
Aspiring authors looking for support and the unvarnished truth on their writing and publishing journey.
Where you can listen:
8. Book Marketing Mentors
The Book Marketing Mentors podcast teaches you how to build and execute your book marketing plan. Hosted by bestselling author Susan Friedmann, it focuses on simple, proven techniques that you can implement yourself to streamline your marketing efforts.
Susan interviews other bestselling authors to discuss finding your niche, getting over the fear of selling, marketing as an introvert, and leveraging technology in an overwhelming world. Episodes are 30 minutes long and released weekly.
Who should listen:
Authors wanting to take the business of publishing and marketing their book to the next level.
Where you can listen:
9. The Creative Penn Podcast for Writers
The Creative Penn Podcast will help you navigate self-publishing and book marketing and teach you how to make a living with your writing. Host Joanna Penn will show you it’s possible to reach your dreams and become an author.
Joanna is a joyful host who interviews other authors to discuss the craft of writing, the business of being a writer, and how you can make a living through your books. Episodes are 30-60 minutes long and released weekly.
Who should listen:
Aspiring authors who want to understand their options for self-publishing, book marketing, and creative entrepreneurship.
Where you can listen:
In summary
Writers never stop learning and growing. Podcasts are a wonderful, free way to help you develop your craft, build your business, and remind yourself you’re not alone. Give one or all of these podcasts a listen to find your new favorite.