The Other 51 Brian Moritz

“When in doubt, choose not to harm somebody.”

Jen Moritz, senior editor and inclusive language specialist at (and Brian’s wife) joins us to talk about inclusive language.

What is inclusive language?

So glad you asked!

Jen defines the term for us, and also describes how she got interested and involved in this area of editing. She tells us how the pandemic influenced her interest in inclusive language, how editing for inclusive language is an extension of her “Grammar Tingle” and what she does when that is activated by word or phrase, and how inclusive editing can help connect us back to our humanity in an increasingly digital world.

We also go down a rabbit hole about the phrase “rule of thumb” and what to do when people think you’re wrong but you’re actually right.

Other rabbit holes include dragon smut, fairy smut, banned books and Maintenance Phase.

Also, as far as we can tell, “flying by the seat of your pants” is not problematic. As a phrase, at least.

“You will always be learning. You will never have perfect language and perfect representation. You’re just doing your best.”

Next week, our regularly scheduled episode with Jen Moritz will be out. We’ll be talking all about inclusive language.

However.

Early in April, the Associated Press announced updates to its style book. Including new guidance on writing about “obese, obesity and overweight”

We, um, we have some thoughts.

And so, a bonus episode.

Enjoy! And be sure to listen to our non-bonus episode with Jen next week.

This was largely inspired by the work of Maintenance Phase.

“We all experience loss differently, but there’s common ground for all of us to find in that.”

Jared Paventi joins Brian this week to talk all about his excellent Substack, Dirt Nap.

Jared discusses how he came to write a weekly blog/newsletter/Substack/whatever we’re calling it about death and grieving, how watching his oldest daughter grieve the loss of her grandpa inspired him, and how he uses writing to work through what he’s thinking and feeling.

Jared talks about how he’s looking to create a space for conversations about grief through his excellent Griever’s Digest series, how grieving can be about more than just the death of someone, and how the writing of A.J. Daulerio and The Small Bow inspired Dirt Nap, especially the tone.

We also talk about what happened to his food blog, Blog Al Dente, and what you do when a project starts to feel more like work than fun.

Rabbit holes include HJ Magazine, how a deadline without a consequence is meaningless, and Brian’s move out of the basement.

“This is some shit that’s going on in my head and my world. Maybe it’s happening to you too.”

“Come in for the show, stay for the tears.”

Alex Brightman joins Brian to talk about Broadway and writing, including a deep dive into his play “The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers.”

A two-time Tony Nominee (for School of Rock and Beetlejuice), Alex tells Brian how a YouTube series, a production of Grease, and a shared affinity for Old Hollywood led to him writing a one-man show for Marc Summers based on the Double Dare host’s life. What exactly is a “part interactive game show, part memoir?”

Alex describes the process of writing the show, including the ah-ha moment that made him realize there was something special here.

Alex also tells the story of how he and Drew Gasparini met, became fast friends and writing partners, and how they work together. Alex also discusses how he fits writing into an already busy acting schedule and some of the projects he’s working on now.

Rabbit holes include our shared reverence for calendars, and how Simon’s mom reacted to his message (IYKYK).

“Oh, I wrote a musical about me. I really did. This is just me.”

Joe Iconis, one of the best writers on Broadway and one of Brian’s favorite people, joins us on The Other 51 to talk all about The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical. 

Yep, that’s the name of Joe’s most recent show, which debuted at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in 2023. 

Joe tells the story of the name and why it’s so appropriate for a show about Hunter S. Thompson. Joe also discusses why the show is unauthorized, what that meant for him trying to write a show without being able to use a famous writers’ words, and why it was scary but ultimately rewarding. 

Joe and Brian also discuss the show’s multivolume coffee table book trip from an idea in 2007 to the stage 16 years later, what’s next for the show, and the difference for Joe between writing music and writing a script.  

Rabbit holes include the coming Broadway Thinkpieces and Huey Lewis and the News. We also get a Diane Kitten update. 

“Let there be things that are weird and strange. And good and true.”

“Do the work. Show Up. Show you care by listening.”

Liz Robbins joins Brian to talk about her remarkable career as a journalist, covering everything from the NBA to U.S. immigration policy. 

Liz tells stories about what it was like to cover sports in Cleveland in the late 1990s, including how she broke the news that the WNBA would be forming and traveled on a private jet with Tim Couch. This was the last golden age of traditional newspaper sports journalism, and Liz describes what that was like. 

Liz also details how broke a story for The Times that led to the U.S. government literally changing one of its immigration policies. Writing topics include how Liz knows she’s done reporting and ready to write, how to build a network of sources, and how to protect your mental health while covering tough stories. 

Rabbit holes include the only time in Liz’s career that she was star struck, Susan Sarandon in Rocky Horror Picture Show, Larry Brown yelling at her, and the St. Bonaventure-Kentucky NCAA Tournament game in 2000.