In this wide-ranging, candid episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel talk about creative resistance, privilege in publishing, and what it really takes to get a book across the finish line. Kayla shares a hopeful, behind-the-scenes story about reaching out for developmental editing support—and the complicated feelings that come with having access to resources not everyone can afford—while Rachel celebrates a new literary journal publication.

The conversation then turns sharp and unfiltered as the hosts dive into a deep critique of Louis C.K.’s debut novel Ingram. They unpack questions of power, accountability, and whether it’s possible—or ethical—to engage with art made by deeply flawed people. From clunky prose and muddled world-building to moments of genuine potential, Kayla and Rachel break down what works, what doesn’t, and why calling something “literary fiction” doesn’t make it so.

As always, this episode blends craft talk, cultural critique, humor, and honesty—plus a reminder that writing is hard, finishing is harder, and sometimes the best thing you can do is keep asking better questions.

If you’re listening, don’t forget to rate, review, and let us know you’re out there.

Please subscribe, rate and review!

New episodes every Wednesday.

E-mail us your short story at contact@writeyourheartoutpod.com

Follow us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod

Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Ever cried reading your own poem on mic? Rachel did. And Kayla cried too, because friendship.
And then Jessie Wingate blew our minds with The Beholden.
And THEN Kayla read the full #VanLife you’ve all been asking for... wink wink... okay, maybe only Reka.

This description isn't A.I. Okay it was only partly written by ChatGPT. I came up with the wink wink thing... I know... pretty good. The first sentence is obviously A.I. lol (Kayla)

Send us your own poems and stories at writeyourheartoutpod.com or on Reddit. We’d love to feature your work next.

Please subscribe, rate and review!

New episodes every Wednesday.

E-mail us your short story at contact@writeyourheartoutpod.com

Follow us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod

Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Watch Begonia first because we literally tell you everything. Spoiler alert.

On a rainy night Kayla and Rachel brought clipboard to the movie theater to watch Begonia (2025).Now they’re breaking down this absurdist black-comedy thriller beat by beat. Is there any chance that Yorgos Lanthimos’s newest film follows the Save the Cat structure, or are we just trying to shove a genre-bending film into a litterbox?

We talk about opening and final images (cutest bee ever), themes, midpoints, Dark Night of the Soul moments, and that finale we absolutely did not see coming. We had no idea what the Emma Stone character was.

Along the way, we share Kayla’s big writing news, debate conspiracy theories, talk about why celebrities can feel “otherworldly,” and fully spiral about the crocheted alien costumes that deserve their own Oscar category.

This one is for writers, film geeks, and anyone who just likes listening to two friends who are excited about Jesse Plemons.

Please subscribe, rate and review!

New episodes every Wednesday.

E-mail us your short story at contact@writeyourheartoutpod.com

Follow us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod

Leave us a message at 650-260-4885