Episodios

  • From Prison to Advocacy: Stephanie Shepard on Justice and Reform

    From Prison to Advocacy: Stephanie Shepard on Justice and Reform
    Dec 16 2025
    In this episode, I speak with Stephanie Shepard, Executive Director of Last Prisoner Project. She was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a first-time, nonviolent cannabis offense and now leads the Last Prisoner Project (LPP). Her story—and her advocacy—reveals the human cost of the War on Drugs and the urgent need for restorative justice. Some key takeaways from our conversation include: Stephanie's story: From her 2010 conviction and nine-year sentence to becoming Executive Director of LPP. What LPP does: Freeing cannabis prisoners, record clearance, reentry support, and policy reform. Breaking myths: The legacy of "Just Say No," drug panic politics, and bipartisan failures from Nixon to Clinton. Narrative & policy: How storytelling shifts public perception and drives real legislative change. Where we are now: Cannabis tolerated or legal while people remain imprisoned; opioid crisis reframes priorities. Human impact: Individual cases showing how lives are disrupted—and rebuilt—through LPP's work. Mobilizing advocates: How people affected by incarceration become powerful voices for reform. LPP's current battles: Clemency, resentencing, expungement, and federal reform. Goals ahead: Expanding services, increasing national awareness, and pushing comprehensive drug reform. What everyone should know: Drug policy is political—not scientific—and justice requires empathy and action. I'm so grateful for, and inspired by this conversation. I encourage everyone to listen and share, and get involved: spreading the word and supporting justice for all Americans is an essential act not only for activists, but patriots. Stephanie was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana in 2010. As a first-time, non-violent offender, Stephanie was sentenced to ten years in the Federal Bureau Of Prisons. After serving nine years, she was placed on federal probation for an additional five years. She now serves as Last Prisoner Project's Executive Director and sits on the organization's Board of Directors. She is adamantly advocating for restorative justice for those who have suffered as she has from the criminalization of cannabis. ABOUT STEPHANIE SHEPARD Instagram: @lastprisonerproject @stephy_sheps X: @lastprisonerprj Facebook: facebook.com/lastprisonerproject Website: lastprisonerproject.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/lastprisonerproject ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED 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. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at seanmurphy.live ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY Website: seanmurphy.net Substack: seanmurphy.live X: @bullmurph Instagram: @bullmurph Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41
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    1 h y 5 m
  • Season 5 Ep 1 | Matt Davis | What does Mount Rushmore tell us about America?

    Season 5 Ep 1 | Matt Davis | What does Mount Rushmore tell us about America?
    Dec 9 2025
    Some Things Considered returns with our fifth season, and we could not be more excited. Episode One features Matthew Davis, with whom I speak about his new book Biography of a Mountain, an in-depth examination of Mt. Rushmore as both a monument and a metaphor for America. Drawing on years of research and personal engagement with the Black Hills, Davis unpacks the layered histories, mythologies, and political tensions embedded in this iconic site. We cover a ton of ground, and highlights include: Why Mt. Rushmore: How Davis realized this was the book he needed to write — and why the mountain mirrors the American story. Many Americas: Mt. Rushmore as a metaphor for the evolving, often conflicting visions of what "America" means. Native history: The mountain's sacred role long before white settlement, and how Indigenous perspectives were erased or overwritten. Power & narrative: Who tells America's story? Who benefits? Why monuments become battlegrounds. Gutzon Borglum: The ambition, ego, and controversy surrounding the monument's creator — including his troubling political ties. Author in the narrative: Why Davis chose to include his own journey, and how personal context strengthens historical storytelling. The paradox of monuments: How the same statue symbolizes pride to some and oppression to others — and what that reveals about American identity. Relevance in 2025: How Davis's research unexpectedly speaks to today's political climate and the weaponization of history. Trump, Reagan, and symbolism: The modern fight over commemoration, legacy, and political mythmaking. What the mountain teaches us: Reflections on history, country, culture, and narrative itself. It's always a pleasure to speak with Matt, whom I consider a good friend, colleague, and source of inspiration. His book could hardly be more timely–and it adds valuable insights for an America that, in 2025, is as complicated and bifurcated as ever. Matthew Davis is the author of When Things Get Dark: A Mongolian Winter's Tale. His work has appeared in the New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Review of Books and Guernica, among other places. He has been an Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fellow at New America, a Fellow at the Black Mountain Institute at UNLV, and a Fulbright Fellow to Syria and Jordan. He holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from the University of Iowa and an MA in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Davis lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife, a diplomat, and their two young kids. ABOUT MATT DAVIS Website: matthewdaviswriter.com ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED 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. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY Website: seanmurphy.net Substack: seanmurphy.live Twitter: @bullmurph Instagram: @bullmurph Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Season 4 Ep 11 | Karen E. Bender | Literary Fiction, Storytelling, and the Times We Live In

    Season 4 Ep 11 | Karen E. Bender | Literary Fiction, Storytelling, and the Times We Live In
    Oct 7 2025

    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.

    ABOUT KAREN E. BENDER

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

    ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

    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.

    To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

    Website: seanmurphy.net
    Substack: seanmurphy.live
    Twitter: @bullmurph
    Instagram: @bullmurph
    Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Season 4 Ep 10 | Caroline Bock & Jona Colson | Talking "America's Future" with Washington Writer's Publishing House

    Season 4 Ep 10 | Caroline Bock & Jona Colson | Talking "America's Future" with Washington Writer's Publishing House
    Sep 30 2025
    In this episode of Some Things Considered, I'm joined by Caroline Bock and Jona Colson, co-presidents of Washington Writers' Publishing House. They are two of my favorite DC-area writers and advocates, but today we gather to discuss–and celebrate–the publication of a brand new anthology "America's Future: poetry & prose in response to tomorrow." Caroline is the author of the story collection "Carry Her Home" and Jona's poetry collection "Said Through Glass" (both published in 2018). Washington Writers' Publishing House is the longest, continuously operating nonprofit, cooperative, literary organization in the United States. Established in 1975 in our nation's capital, we have published over 100 volumes of poetry as well in more recent years fiction and nonfiction. We discuss: The conception and labor of love that culminated in this anthology. The role of community, both local and global, to curate and publish writers. Why this collection coincides with the 50th anniversary of WWPH's founding. The intersections of writing, teaching, editing, and organizing. How the written word can–and must–speak to today's sociopolitical confusion and turmoil. Jona and Caroline also read their pieces from the new collection. These two literary citizens have established themselves as vital and indispensable forces not only for DC-Metro artistic community, but are working to publish and promote inclusive, relevant writing to showcase why creativity and story matter most of all during uncertain times. ABOUT CAROLINE BOCK Instagram: @carolinebockauthor Twitter/X: @cabockwrites Website: carolinebockofficialauthorsite.wordpress.com ABOUT JONA COLSON Instagram: @jonacolsonpoet Facebook: facebook.com/jonacolsonpoet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonacolsonpoet Website: https://jonacolson.com ABOUT WASHINGTON WRITERS' PUBLISHING HOUSE Instagram: @writingfromwwph Facebook: facebook.com/WashingtonWritersPublishingHouse Twitter/X: @WWPHPress Website: washingtonwriters.org ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED 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. ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY Website: seanmurphy.net Substack: seanmurphy.live Twitter: @bullmurph Instagram: @bullmurph Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Season 4 Ep 9 | Karen Eber | The Art & Science of Storytelling

    Season 4 Ep 9 | Karen Eber | The Art & Science of Storytelling
    Sep 23 2025

    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.

    ABOUT KAREN EBER

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

    ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

    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.

    ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

    Website: seanmurphy.net
    Substack: seanmurphy.live
    Twitter: @bullmurph
    Instagram: @bullmurph
    Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41
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    59 m
  • Season 4 Ep 8 | Lisa Cooper Ellison | Writing, Resilience, and the Creative Life

    Season 4 Ep 8 | Lisa Cooper Ellison | Writing, Resilience, and the Creative Life
    Sep 16 2025

    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.

    ABOUT LISA COOPER ELLISON

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

    ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

    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.

    ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

    Website: seanmurphy.net
    Substack: seanmurphy.live
    Twitter: @bullmurph
    Instagram: @bullmurph
    Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Season 4 Ep 7 | Whitney Matheson | Talking Shop with the Queen of Pop

    Season 4 Ep 7 | Whitney Matheson | Talking Shop with the Queen of Pop
    Sep 2 2025
    In this wide-ranging, high-energy conversation, I'm overjoyed to connect with old pal Whitney Matheson—one of the most important and beloved pop culture writers of the past 25 years. Best known as the creator of Pop Candy, the groundbreaking USA Today blog that ran from 1999–2014, Whitney has built a career out of curiosity, enthusiasm, and the art of connecting people to the culture they love. Today she's busier than ever with her Substack newsletter Hi, It's Whitney, as well as short fiction, comics, and other creative projects. We cover a lot of ground, digging into her career trajectory, which doubles as a case study in the shifting fortunes of journalism, culture writing, and the arts in an era of technological disruption, late-stage capitalism, and diminishing opportunities for creatives. We discuss how writers and artists must adapt to survive, and how Whitney has continually reinvented herself without losing her distinctive voice. She has evolved, but she has also, miraculously, expanded. Our conversation touches on: The unique talent—and discipline—required to stay plugged into cultural trends while connecting them to the past and presenting them with infectious enthusiasm. How Whitney moves between different forms—short fiction, comics, culture criticism—and the different creative "head spaces" each demands. The role of "literary citizenship" and how championing the work of others strengthens the entire creative ecosystem. Why building and sustaining community is essential for creative resilience. The state of the humanities, the arts, and cultural criticism in today's politically charged environment. Whitney's take on AI: less concerned about its impact on creative expression, more worried about its wider societal consequences. The increasingly blurred lines between art, politics, and cultural engagement, and why creatives can no longer afford to be apolitical. More than a profile of Whitney's career, this episode is a candid meditation on resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of sharing what inspires you. Whether through a blog, a comic strip, or a newsletter, Whitney Matheson continues to embody the joy of discovery and the importance of connecting with an audience who cares. Subscribe to Whitney on Substack: Hi, it's Whitney culture, comix, rock 'n' roll, bananas By Whitney Matheson ABOUT WHITNEY MATHESON Instagram: @thewhitneymatheson Twitter: @whitneymatheson LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/whitneymathesonFacebook: Whitney MathesonWebsite: whitneymatheson.com ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED 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. ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY Website: seanmurphy.net Substack: seanmurphy.live Twitter: @bullmurph Instagram: @bullmurph Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41
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    1 h
  • Season 4 Ep 6 | Robert Rodriguez | The Long and Winding Road with a Beatles Expert

    Season 4 Ep 6 | Robert Rodriguez | The Long and Winding Road with a Beatles Expert
    Aug 26 2025
    This week on Some Things Considered I'm joined by Robert Rodriguez—award-winning author, creator of the Something About the Beatles podcast, and one of the most prolific and insightful chroniclers of the Fab Four and their cultural universe. Robert has written or contributed to more than a dozen books, including Solo in the '70s, The Beatles FAQ series, and the critically acclaimed Revolver: How the Beatles Reimagined Rock 'n' Roll. He's also one of the most trusted voices in Beatles fandom, consistently bridging rigorous scholarship with genuine fan enthusiasm. More, he is a community builder, advocate for storytelling of all kinds, and an industry veteran who has successfully navigated a ceaselessly changing media landscape. In this conversation, we cover: The arc of Robert's creative career — from early fandom to world-class Beatles authority How to build a career by going deep, not wide — carving out your lane with focus and integrity Why community matters — especially for creatives, superfans, and storytellers The evolution of publishing and platforming — from print to podcasts to social media The Beatles as a case study in infinite curiosity — why their story never gets old The challenges and joys of podcasting & self-promotion What AI and the modern internet mean for researchers and writers Advice for new authors and cultural critics — and how the SOP has changed Fan culture, obsession, and the legacy of deep-dive storytelling Robert's trajectory is a case study of sorts for 21st-century creative success: part old-school passion, part modern hustle, and 100% dedication to the story. If you're interested in writing, music, media, or the long tail of fandom, this episode will resonate. ABOUT ROBERT RODRIGUEZ Apple Podcasts: Something About The Beatles Twitter: @satbshow Instagram: @somethingaboutthebeatles1964Facebook: Something About The BeatlesWebsite: somethingaboutthebeatles.com ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED 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. ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY Website: seanmurphy.net Substack: seanmurphy.live Twitter: @bullmurph Instagram: @bullmurph Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41
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    1 h y 17 m