Samantha McIntyre is a seasoned television writer and screenwriter whose credits include Unicorn Store, People of Earth, and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on the pitch process in Hollywood—sharing how she prepares, performs, and powers through rejection. Samantha opens up about finding her footing in the writers’ room, what it’s like to write comedy in a high-stakes industry, and how women in entertainment are still having to prove they belong. “You have to look like you know what you’re doing—even when you don’t,” she says.

————————————

In this episode, Jenni sits down with Samantha McIntyre, a seasoned television writer and screenwriter (Unicorn Store, People of Earth) to unpack the often mysterious world of Hollywood writing. From the art of pitching to life in the writer’s room, Samantha brings honesty, humor, and insider perspective to the conversation.

They dive into:

• What it’s really like to pitch a TV show (and how to fake confidence)

• The emotional rollercoaster of selling original ideas

• Life inside the collaborative chaos of the writer’s room

• The ongoing fight for diversity in TV writing

• Her experiences on set, including working with Brie Larson and Bradley Whitford

• The difference between writing for TV and film—and why Unicorn Store was so special

• How women in Hollywood often have to “know more to prove they belong”

• Practical advice on Zoom presence and virtual pitching

Whether you're a fellow creative, a curious viewer, or a business professional looking to sharpen your pitch game—this episode will leave you entertained and inspired.

🎙️ Guest Bio:Samantha McIntyre is a television and screenwriter best known for her work on comedies and for writing the Netflix original film Unicorn Store. She has worked on numerous TV shows, both staffed and original, and brings a deep understanding of story development and pitch dynamics.

✨ Quote of the Episode:

“You don’t just want them to pick your idea—you want to know if you want to work with them. That changes everything.”

Mentions:

Unicorn Store movie trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_51UsTDBAE

People of Earth:

https://www.tbs.com/shows/people-of-earth

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist:

https://www.nbc.com/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this episode, Jenni sits down with Barry Nash, a veteran TV news talent coach with over four decades of experience, to explore how the broadcast industry is evolving—and why voice and authenticity matter more than ever. With the rise of AI, TikTok news, and automated studios, Barry shares his insights on what truly connects with audiences and how communicators can stay relevant in a noisy digital world.

They dive into:

• What AI-driven research reveals about how viewers respond to voice

• Why vocal delivery is more important than body language in news broadcasting

• The myth of “sounding sad” and how to express genuine emotion on air

• The risk of performance without purpose—and how to coach around it

• Why connection, not perfection, is the new benchmark for credibility

• The role of imagination and play in developing vocal presence

• Why seasoned anchors must reclaim ownership of their scripts

• How today's talent can stand out in a TikTok-driven media landscape

Whether you're an anchor, journalist, content creator—or simply someone who cares about meaningful communication—this episode will shift the way you think about your voice.

🎙️ Guest Bio:

Barry Nash is a career TV news talent coach who has worked with anchors and reporters across every level of the industry, from local stations to national networks. With deep experience in performance coaching, newsroom dynamics, and audience research, he’s one of the most respected voices in the business when it comes to delivery, presence, and authenticity.

✨ Quote of the Episode:

“You only get so far with technique. The real question is—what does your voice convey that AI never could?”

Mentions:

Patsy Rodenburg: (podcast and book)

Craft: Sweat & Joy podcast

https://patsyrodenburg.co.uk/podcast/

The Second Circle

https://www.amazon.com/Second-Circle-Positive-Success-Situation/dp/0393354474

Video clip on The Second Circle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Ub27yeXKUTY&t=17s

Hurtado anchor voice article

“Is It Time To Get Say Goodbye To The ‘News Anchor Voice’?”

TV News Check. Fernando Hurtado.

https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/is-it-time-to-say-goodbye-to-the-news-anchor-voice/

MIT Research Barry mentions –

Honest Signals: How They Shape Our World. Alex Pentland.

https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Signals-Shape-World-Press/dp/0262515121