What is the role of literary fiction in 2025? Is it simply escapism, or is it something deeper — a mirror to the world we inhabit, a lens on its inequities, contradictions, and quiet truths? In my latest episode of Some Things Considered, I spoke with Karen E. Bender, National Book Award finalist and author of The Words of Dr. L, to explore these questions.

Karen’s new collection is a meditation on our times. Her stories navigate the uneasy space between overt political urgency and narrative subtlety, achieving what only the most mature and authoritative fiction can: illuminating society without sacrificing character or craft. We talked about how her stories came together, the delicate process of unifying disparate pieces into a cohesive collection, and how she chooses between writing short fiction or novels.

We also discussed the realities of the literary ecosystem today. Universities and festivals that once nurtured writers are under threat — including the recent cancellation of the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, a hub of creative excellence for decades. Karen reflected on the growing importance of nonprofits, activism, and community support to sustain writers and their work in challenging times.

Throughout our conversation, one thing became clear: literary fiction matters now more than ever. It helps us reflect, empathize, and engage with our world in ways that journalism, social media, or fleeting news cycles cannot. Karen’s insights remind us that stories are not just entertainment — they are essential.

Website: karenebender.com
Facebook: facebook.com/KarenEBenderBooks

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

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Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

In this episode of Some Things Considered, I sit down with Karen Eber — TED speaker, award-winning author of The Perfect Story, and former Fortune 500 executive whose talks have reached millions worldwide. Karen specializes in the science and skill of storytelling, helping leaders and creatives alike use stories to inform, influence, and inspire.

The conversation explores:

• The science of storytelling: what happens in the brain when a story works, and why humans are wired to connect through narrative.

• What makes a story succeed—or fail: common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Trust and connection: how storytellers can build authenticity and credibility with their audiences.

• Inherited stories and bias: recognizing how cultural, familial, and corporate narratives shape our beliefs and choices.

• Choosing which story to tell: balancing timeless themes with timely resonance.

• Introverts as storytellers: why some of the best storytellers aren’t the loudest voices in the room.

• Story in leadership and business: from media to the courtroom to the boardroom, the most effective leaders leverage story to motivate and inspire.

• Data storytelling: transforming raw information into narratives that resonate and drive action.

• Storytelling in the age of AI and misinformation: why the best defense against “bad stories” and fake narratives is to tell better ones.

This episode offers both practical insights and big-picture reflections on how stories shape our lives, our decisions, and our culture.

Instagram: @kareneber1
Twitter: @KarenEber1
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kareneber
Website: kareneber.com

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Cooper Ellison—author, speaker, trauma-informed writing coach, and host of Writing Your Resilience. Lisa works at the intersection of storytelling and healing, using her personal experiences and clinical training to help writers transform difficult life events into meaningful art. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, Risk!, and more. She recently completed her memoir Please Stage Dive Carefully: How I Survived My Brother’s Suicide and Forgave Myself.

Our conversation explores:

• The multiple hats every modern writer must wear: creator, promoter, brand-builder, and, most importantly, healthy human.

• Why curiosity, empathy, and vulnerability are essential to creativity—and how to cultivate them without burning out.

• What it means to “gaslight-proof” your writing practice and set healthy boundaries.

• How to share your story in an era of oversharing and constant brand-building.

• The intersection of trauma and art, and how to transform pain into powerful creative work.

• Lessons Lisa has learned as a podcaster—from preparation to professionalism—that can serve as a blueprint for others.

• Practices and mindsets that make for a rewarding creative process, including pushing past comfort zones.

• The evolving meaning of “literary citizenship” and why it matters for writers today.

This is part craft talk, part creative therapy session, and part masterclass in how to live a sustainable creative life.

Instagram: @lisacooperellison
Twitter: @LisaEllisonsPen
Facebook: facebook.com/lisacooperellison
Website: lisacooperellison.com

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

What does it really take to break through the noise and get your book noticed?

In this episode, I talk with Leah Paulos, founder of Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School. With 25+ years in the literary publicity world, Leah has worked on campaigns for authors like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John Lewis, and Neil deGrasse Tyson — and now she’s using that experience to demystify the PR process for authors of all stripes.

We discuss:

• Why standing out in today’s media landscape is harder than ever

• The biggest myths authors believe about publicity

• What publishers actually do — and what they don’t

• Why early prep is essential (and how to start)

• The power of small podcasts, niche influencers, and digital storytelling

• How authenticity and integrity are the new currency in publicity

• Why she’s committed to offering more affordable PR options for emerging writers

Whether you're traditionally published or indie, debut or veteran, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and honest insights from one of the best in the business.

Website: pressshoppr.com
Twitter (X): @pressshoppr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahpaulos
Facebook: @PressShopPR

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

Today on STC, I’m joined by someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with (and learning from) for years: Gregg Wilhelm, Director of Mason Creative Writing, co-founder of Watershed Lit, and long-time literary advocate and publishing pro. Gregg’s experience spans every corner of the literary world—from launching presses to running CityLit, mentoring students, and staying in the fray as the arts face new pressures and provocations.

In this conversation, we go deep on:

• The state of MFA programs and the future of English majors

• Why fewer students are reading (and how to bring them back)

• The collapse of public arts funding and what can (or can’t) replace it

• How to maintain faith and focus when AI, apathy, and anti-humanities sentiment threaten to flatten everything we care about

• The power of literary citizenship—not just as a concept, but as a lifeline for community and creative survival

I’ve always admired Gregg for his tireless advocacy, his unshakable belief in writers and teachers, and his realism that never tips into resignation. He’s someone who doesn’t just talk about “resistance,” he builds platforms, creates programs, and helps train the next generation of literary citizens.

This episode is especially relevant for:

• Writing students and aspiring educators

• Anyone navigating the literary world post-Covid / mid-AI

• Advocates trying to make sense of a shrinking public square for the arts

• Listeners who want to be reminded why stories still matter—and how we can keep telling them, even now

If you dig it, please share with a teacher, student, or friend trying to do the good work.

Instagram: @greggwilhelm
Facebook: Gregg Wilhelm
LinkedIn: Gregg Wilhelm
Website: greggwilhelm.com
CityLit Project: @citylitproject

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41