Reviews
I’ve just recently followed this podcast and what a joy. Brendan does an exceptional job keeping the conversations real. It’s clear his subjects trust and respect Brendan’s intentions and curiosities about writing in general and their writing life specifically. Listening to this podcast often...Read full review »
Curious Chimp via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/09/24
I once went to a dingy, ground-level bar that stunk like stale beer. I noticed a small window in the floor. Light emanated from within. I bent down and cupped my hands around it. Inside, Barbie and Ken sat at a table in a clean, tidy kitchen. They seemed to be enjoying themselves down there...Read full review »
Ninjmandave via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/06/24
The best/most metal podcast for those interested in writing CNF or hearing from some of their favorite CNF authors. I love Brendan’s style. I love his rages against the algorithms and authenticity about the writing life. I always learn about new and interesting books/authors while listening. He...Read full review »
LeviJustinRogers via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/21/24
Brendan O'Meara interviews a wide range of creative talent, from the best and well known to lesser known but equally gifted voices in creative nonfiction. Brendan's warm and friendly conversational style encourages all of them to generously share, in a relevant and nuanced manner, the...Read full review »
Pab429 via Apple Podcasts · Spain · 12/06/23
The best EVER podcast for writers (at least for me). I always listen to it when I am stuck in the procrastination mode and it always motivates me to sit down and start writing. The day I listen to Brendan and his guests I get some work done. Plus, I discover amazing writers who I can learn from...Read full review »
Mirufka via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/28/23
One of the best writing/interviewing podcasts out there on creative non-fiction writing and its authors. Brendan has a wonderful voice and personality to listen to and his questions are thoughtful and relevant. He conducts his interviews in a manner that make them sound more like easy going...Read full review »
NHCWIK via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/09/23
On many podcasts and shows, when writers »share their secrets«, then it’s merely vague advice that is entertaining but of little practical value. Brendan’s show is different. I was surprised to hear his interviewees talk about how they came up with their ideas, on how they reported their...Read full review »
Martin W. Angler via Apple Podcasts · Italy · 08/30/23
Brendan brings some truly talented writers on this podcast and asks them insightful questions. I always learn something that I can use in my own writing. He also gives great advice from his own experiences. It’s definitely worth listening to the back catalogue if you are a new listener!
Kimba83 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/18/23
I’ve learned so much from this podcast! Brendan O’Meara is an excellent host who’s able to dig into deep conversations about writing craft and practices with his guests. He doesn’t shy away from talking about the messy parts of writing too — the insecurities, the difficulty of making time, and...Read full review »
agavemaria_ via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/26/23
This year I am doing a self-titled writing project: “Butt in Chair.” I have committed at least one hour a day to planting myself in front of the computer to pick up a writing thread I set down when I had kids. As such, I am looking for good material to inform and inspire my pursuits, and a...Read full review »
ticaoe via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/22/23
I can always count on Brendan to make the CNF podcast interesting, informative, and entertaining. He asks terrific questions and keeps things real. As a writer myself, I’m constantly learning more about the craft from his guests. Thank you, Brendan!
Tess Enterline via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/02/23
I really enjoy Brendan’s style of interview and conversation with his guests. The show has a wide variety of writers that all share the common thread of telling the story despite the different topics and backgrounds they write about. It’s definitely beneficial for anyone who enjoys writing.
dave in poway via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/14/22
I’ve been listening to CNFP for about a year now and find it incredibly helpful and interesting for an amateur writer like myself. For me, learning about the creative processes and mastering the craft from others is a joy, especially when it’s sports related. So thanks Brendan for the effort in...Read full review »
Frecuencia eMMa. via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/02/22
I love the free-wheeling discussions that Brandon specializes in - you can go from craft to content to structure to revelatory comments in a CNF podcast. His focus on the craft of storytelling makes this a required podcast for every writer.
geology26 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/01/22
I discovered the CNF pod last year on a long road trip — and immediately filled my drive time with bingeing these interviews. What really drew me in is how Brendan is able to ask writerly questions and also get guests to talk practicalities (day jobs, routines, frustrations). I always walk away...Read full review »
Meg.Dohm via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/23/22
If you love writing and reading creative non-fiction, I can’t recommend this podcast enough. Unlike many other writing podcasts, this one doesn’t just talk about the topics of the writers’ work but actually gets into the nitty-gritty of their creation: the thought processes, big-picture and...Read full review »
Hedren31 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 07/01/22
What’s not to like about the CNF podcast? Brendan interviews top notch writers., and every writer has inspiring insights and recommendations for the aspiring writer like me. I loved listening to Susan Orlean and more recently, Sonya Huber. But the variety of writers interviewed is astounding....Read full review »
shanti68 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 06/14/22
Okay, I’ll start with this: I don’t love the music, and I fast forward through a lot of The host’s chatter at the beginning (sorry!) But that’s easy to do—and the lineup of guests and topics hits so many points of interest for me, and Brendan’s passion and persistent, thoughtful questions draw...Read full review »
Ummm..me via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/11/22
See here I am writing. Seriously, though, I listened to Brendan’s short episode today, chatting and reading his craft essay on cooking and writing parallels, while I took the dog for an early walk, and I got interested. Then I listened to his interview of Jane Friedman with great pleasure even...Read full review »
Karenworkshops via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/06/22
It was so interesting to hear publishing "guru" Jane Friedman speak on a variety of topics. It was especially reassuring to hear that focusing on producing good work (rather than just striving for some elusive viral post)will reward you in the end. I have to admit it was also great fun...Read full review »
abt41253 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/22/22
One of my favorite podcasts out there. Even though the theme is creative non-fiction for each episode, each episode touches on different topics giving the podcast a ton of range. Brendan does a great job of finding interesting guests and then getting the most out of them. If you are a writer you...Read full review »
joel5493 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/23/22
There are so many options available to debut nonfiction authors to educate themselves on the machinations of the publishing world. I’ve read some useful guides, attended seminars and writers’ conferences and listened to many podcasts. Brendan O’Meara’s has been the most useful. As a physician...Read full review »
Hono7 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/18/22
I thoroughly enjoy the Creative Nonfiction podcast! Thoughtful questions, engaging conversations, and I learn something new each time I listen.
Melissa Grunow via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/10/22
Enjoying this podcast—a new find for me—and learning a lot from it, even after having listened to only a few episodes. I love the blend of discussion about craft, writing as a career, and each author’s subject matter. I’ve been craving more podcasts that are high quality and that discuss...Read full review »
TracyInJapan via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/09/22
Every week Brendan conducts a penetrating interview with a skilled and experienced nonfiction writer. Rare is the week I don’t learn something I can apply to my own writing. This podcast changed my life.
nelson_aj via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/09/22
This is an honest, free-flowing podcast that helps grease the skids. Loved the listen. Subscribed.
whyarereviewnameshard via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/04/22
As someone who writes CNF exclusively, The Creative Nonfiction Podcast hosted by Brendan O’Meara is an invaluable tool. It features topics that range from the craft of writing true stories to motivation, mindset, and handling rejection. O’Meara invites a wide range of writers—journalists,...Read full review »
Lori CNF writer via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/04/22
I love the CNF podcast! I discovered it while at the HippoCamp Creative Nonfiction conference in PA, and have been devouring the archives ever since. Not only is Brendan interviewing a breathtaking array of literary luminaries, but he's engaging them in conversations that are genuinely fresh...Read full review »
Jeannine in MPLS via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/14/21
This is by far the best podcast on the craft of non fiction writing. An experienced writer himself, passionate about the craft of non-fiction, Brendan goes in-depth with authors on the craft - structure, research, voice, story-telling. There are many podcasts on writing habits and mindset and so...Read full review »
louis V11 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 08/30/21
I walk my dog to this podcast and then, when I return home, I write. Brendan’s questions and candid conversation inspires me and gives me the substance to continue on this journey that can sometimes feel lonely and dull. I also experience a kind of community listening in on these exchanges and...Read full review »
mamawharr via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/14/21
I’m a newbie to the CNF podcast but working my way through the back catalogue. Great, insightful interviews with really good writers and thinkers. The premise of the podcast is to provide practical and grounded advice that makes creative non-fiction seem less daunting but still a mighty craft...Read full review »
g.d.js. via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 03/01/21
Thanks for this engaging and entertaining podcast! I’ve discovered new essayists to read, as well as drawn inspiration and insight as I continue my own work.
AT in ATL via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/15/21
Great listen for those of us nonfiction writers out there. Writing can be a solitary pursuit sometimes, so it’s very insightful to listen to Brendan “talk shop” with writers telling true stories as he delves into their particular writing processes. Helps get the juices flowing on my own writing...Read full review »
the goggles paisano via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/24/21
Really informative and interesting for those of us who write creative nonfiction. Looking forward to more.
one.good.sentence via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/29/20
I've listened to almost every episode, and I often come away with something I can use in my own work. The only downside is that my to-read list is exploding since I want to devour so many of the books and essays discussed here.Read full review »
Laleh the Ghost via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/03/20
Enjoyed every episode of this podcast. Offers invaluable insight into the writing process. Brendan asks great questions and digs deep to get inside each guest’s approach. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to give their writing a boost.
bamtraffic via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/08/20
This is the one podcast I listen to regularly. Brendan’s soothing voice goes well with my morning coffee, and the subjects he touches on make the listen feel like a personal experience. Then there are his amazing guests; I have listened to his interview with Nick Flynn numerous times already....Read full review »
GAPDesigns via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/08/20
Practicing good literary citizenship seems to me to be something too many writers don’t pay enough attention too. Brendan is not one of those people. His efforts will make us all better.
Chris La Tray via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/01/20
This podcast is part of my weekly routine. I carve out an hour to listen to it without interruption -- either over coffee or while walking my dog. The blend of writers that Brendan has interviewed is amazing: Mary Karr, Tim O'Brien, Nick Flynn alongside some new names (to me anyway) like...Read full review »
ANaturalDrift via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/02/20
I was raised with three older brothers, no sisters. I dig chatting it up with dudes. I still feel like I get gents more than ladies. I first met Brendan at a Hippocampus Magazine reading at AWP in 2019. We sat across the table chatting about all things CNF. Although I am, no doubt, older than...Read full review »
Heidi Parton via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/01/20
I found Brendan’s podcast through his conversation with novelist Tim O’Brien. I appreciated Brendan’s informed questions, and how the talk between Tim and Brendan was natural and free-flowing. Subscribed, and looking forward to listening to more of Brendan’s podcast conversations.
Sourdough the Biscuit via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/21/20
Creative nonfiction is my true love for both reading and writing, and in Brendan and the CNF Podcast I can tell I’ve found a kindred soul. I love his passion for all things CNF that comes through in the interviews, and I always get something out of them. Brendan obviously does his homework before...Read full review »
LouiseSoCal via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/21/20
Great pod, Brendan! I always come here for rejuvenation and inspiration. You and your guests are always shredding through the noise to get to the heart of literary expression. Keep rockin! 🤘
mdrummond1027 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/07/20
Glad to have found this. Listened to talk with Jericho Brown and have downloaded others, now a subscriber.
rmpcinti via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/19/19
CNF has become one of my favorite podcasts overall and my favorite podcast devoted to writers. The conversations are practical and seem to connect with my interests. Down to earth and frequently inspiring. Keep up the great work!
SRutt1 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/27/19
I first checked out the CNF Podcast a while back when I somehow heard about the interview with Laura Hillenbrand (!). I'm sure she's been interviewed a zillion times, but you could really hear her enthusiasm as Brendan drew drew her out on her love for researching and interviewing in...Read full review »
BillWhiteside via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/02/19
I recently discovered this podcast and after only a few episodes I'm already hooked. Brendan is easy on the ears and his interviewing skills are top notch. I love being able to hear other writers talk about the trials and triumphs of writing. Listening to this is a gift I give to myself --...Read full review »
squareone21 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/30/19
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