Ted and Lindsay are joined by Alisa Dean, whose debut novel, The Jezebel List, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and will be published later this month by Alcove Press.

Alisa tells us about the book, which she describes as possibly the first-ever religious trauma rom-com, and how she started to write creatively again after over a decade away due to severe anxiety. She then shares her best writing tip, advice that’s sure to resonate with anyone who has ever doubted whether their own particular and distinct voice is actually worthy of committing to the page.

In other words, pretty much all of us.

Learn more about Alisa and order her book at alisadean.com.

This is a podcast explicitly about the craft of writing—except when it’s not.

For these “Fanning Out” bonus episodes, Ted is joined by his videographer pal Matthew Simmons not to talk about things they’ve made but rather to revel in the work of others and what it can teach us.

Like the show’s regular episodes, it’s a celebration of human creativity (or something that sounds 51 percent less corny). Here, they’re just doing it from the perspective of fans, and they’re going beyond books and writing to dive into TV, movies, music, and whatever else they can credibly find an excuse to discuss.

There are categories. There are digressions. And today, there is Christopher Nolan’s stunning (and intentionally crafted) new film about an ancient work of literature, The Odyssey.

Past guest Lindsay Lewis returns to the show to join Ted for a special announcement, which directly affects whether "past guest" is still the most appropriate way to introduce her.

Trust us--it will all make sense after like 60 seconds.

For Lindsay's upcoming book tour dates, visit lindsaylewiswrites.com.