Dedicated with Doug Brunt (Podcast)

It’s never too late to try something new. Doug Brunt has been a management consultant and director for major tech companies, as well as CEO and president of his own. But he sold the company to try something less lucrative. He wrote a novel. Then it became a New York Times bestseller.

Now with a few more books on his resume, he’s recording a podcast (Dedicated with Doug Brunt, available everywhere) with his friends. No offense to my social circle, but his friends are more accomplished. They’re famous writers. Also an accomplished mixologist, Brunt prepares their favorite libations right in front of the microphone. We hear the ice clink and the jigger, uh, jig. Some guests ask for obscure cocktails. Some guests just want champagne or bourbon on the rocks. Either way, they say you can tell a lot about someone by their beverage. Truth is, the pros run on coffee. 

While his wife might be the famous journalist (Megyn Kelly), Brunt is a natural. These are conversational interviews, making everyone (including us) comfortable. While they sometimes drift into politics, it’s organic, and he never debates them. This is about the craft and industry from people on the inside. So Nelson DeMille shares how publishing has changed over the years, Jennifer Egan talks about writing outside in the snow (wrapped in an electric blanket, of course), and Lee Child admits to writing until the caffeine and nicotine jitters are too much.

It’s fascinating to learn about the different processes they use. Some start with a place, finding their characters and themes from there. Some can work anytime, anywhere. Others need a dedicated writing space. There’s no right or wrong way to write as long as the coffee is hot and there’s plenty of it. Brunt ends every episode with a series of rapid fire questions, such as, “What was your favorite book at 14 or younger?” and “What’s a good piece of advice, for writing or life?”

While I haven’t heard of some of these people, I have heard every episode so far and my to-read list is ever-growing. Even if I don’t agree with the guest I still come away feeling good for having heard what they have to say. It’s encouraging to know how many great writers grew up on The Hardy Boys and that outlining isn’t always necessary. 

It’s also encouraging to be reminded that every writer starts in obscurity, and it takes time to hone the craft. “Do you see a man skillful in his work?” Solomon asks. “He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men” (Prov. 22:29). Great work always finds an audience. (Sirius XM)