Working Slate Podcasts

This week, host June Thomas talks to Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera. In the interview, Francesca discusses the process of creating a brand new ending for Puccini’s unfinished final opera Turandot, from recruiting a composer and librettist to deciding on the visual language of the show. She also talks about her early career working overseas, the wide range of productions at the National Opera, and the kinds of shows that attract new opera fans. 

After the interview, June and co-host Ronald Young Jr. talk about the ethics of changing or updating an artist’s work after their death.  

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, June asks Francesca if there are any other operas that she’d like to update or re-frame. 

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host Ronald Young Jr. talks to June Thomas about her new book A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Shaped Queer Women’s Culture. In the interview, June explains what it was like to bring journalistic rigor to a world that’s close to her heart. She also discusses her pivot to full-time book writing, the importance of passing history to future generations, and her use of the phrase “queer women” to describe a group that goes well beyond that label. 

After the interview, Ronald and co-host Isaac Butler talk about culture and identity in their art. 

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, June designs her ideal queer space. 

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week’s episode of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas and Isaac Butler are joined by author Justin Taylor, to discuss the process behind his new novel, Reboot. Taylor published numerous short pieces, as well as a memoir, during the years he spent writing this novel, yet it took multiple iterations before this book felt right. Later they share tips for persevering through long creative processes and discuss how to find the finish line.

Do you have questions or advice of your own about the creative process? Reach out at (304) 933-9675 or email us at working@slate.com.  

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Tracyanne Campbell, lead singer of the Scottish indie band Camera Obscura. In the interview, Tracyanne discusses the process of getting the band back together after a decade-long hiatus and the songwriting work that went into their new album Look to the East, Look to the West. She also talks about the humor and references in her lyrics, the imposter syndrome that won’t go away, and her mission to write a certain kind of love song. 

After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas talk more about imposter syndrome. They also discuss why some UK artists sing using American accents (as referenced in a Slate piece from 2012. 

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Isaac asks Tracyanne about a certain word that’s often used to describe Camera Obscura: twee. 

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host June Thomas talks to the prolific writer Anne Lamott, whose latest book is called Somehow: Thoughts on Love. In the interview, Anne discusses the origin of her new book, the challenges of writing deeply personal memoirs, and the importance of writing groups. 

After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss Anne’s “bird-by-bird” writing advice. They also talk about why they share certain personal details–and not others–in their nonfiction writing and on the podcast. 

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Anne talks about the legacy of her book Bird By Bird and shares some of her favorite books on writing. 
 
Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week’s episode of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas and Isaac Butler, chew over accountability and how to stay disciplined while working without a supervisor. Both hosts grew up procrastinating through their school years, but they discovered the importance of deadlines and turning work in on time through their respective careers. They also share tips like joining accountability groups, being transparent with your family, and asking colleagues to review different stages of your work. 

Do you have questions or advice of your own about the creative process? Reach out at (304) 933-9675 or email us at working@slate.com. 

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices