Fiction

collage of gina welch portrait

Sad Me of the Past // Episode 11: Gina Welch

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
On this episode, we are joined by Gina Welch, award winning Castle Rock screenwriter. We explore Gina's decision to ditch the mullet and reinvent herself in 8th grade, her obsession over Twin Peaks and impressing her English teacher Mr. Gould and the joy of entertaining people with story.
ada zhang guest in grayscale

Sad Me of the Past // Episode 10: Ada Zhang

Wednesday, December 4, 2024
On this episode we have Ada Zhang in the studio with us to share an early piece of work and discuss her journey to become a writer. We also talk about being a theater kid at Texas football schools, her flight from business major to writer and blogging at its peak.
lila byock in studio

Sad Me of the Past // Episode 9: Lila Byock

Friday, November 8, 2024
Lila Byock stops by the studio to talk about her time writing for the acclaimed series Watchmen and her current projects. We discuss growing up in Missoula, Montana, fact-checking at The New Yorker, the magical powers of Cheerios, her transition to TV writing and the collaborative nature of a writers' room. 
bret anthony johnston in the studio

Sad Me of the Past // Episode 8: Bret Anthony Johnston

Monday, October 7, 2024
Bret Anthony Johnston joins us to talk about his new book We Burn Daylight, his time as a graduate student at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and what he’s working on now. For his piece from the past, Bret shares one of the many stories he published in Chicken Soup for the Soul years ago (they paid!).
mel headshot

Sad Me of the Past // Episode 7: Melissa Mogollon

Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Melissa Mogollon stops by the studio to talk about her debut novel Oyé, her time as a graduate student at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and what she’s working on now. For her piece from the past, Mel shares a list she wrote during her time as a graduate student at the Workshop!
Joe Fassler

Sad Me of the Past // Episode 6: Joe Fassler

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
"I mean this book took me more than 10 years -- I started it while I was at Iowa!" We discuss his journey from apathetic high school student to a highly recognized journalist and author, as well his tips, tricks and inspiration for aspiring writers everywhere. 

Action is Exciting!

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

UI Press author named to 5 Under 35 list

Tuesday, September 24, 2019