Writers on Writers Podcast

Israel Olorunnisola

This season, we’d be, • Discussing the craft of writing—from shower ideas and messy drafts to publication. • Having great conversations with talented writers across diverse genres. • Reviewing the top and underrated fictional and real-life stories shaping our culture. • Navigating a world of cynicism, AI, and endless distractions as writers. • And most importantly, discovering how we can become the best versions of ourselves in our writing careers.

  1. 07. Chaos & Kismet ft Kaothar Kadir

    04/21/2025

    07. Chaos & Kismet ft Kaothar Kadir

    In this hour-long episode, Israel sits with Kaothar Kadir—writer and curator behind Chaos & Kismet (4,000+ subscribers)—for a memorable conversation on: 1. Lantern publications & early inspirations 1:46–7:16.8 2. Academia & Creative Writing 7:16.8—11:44 3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ocean Vuong, George R.R. Martin, Sidney Sheldon, Clarice Lispector 11:44–17:41 4. Kaothar, Chaos & Kismet 17:41–20:15 5. Making a statement with writing, & Writer’s Block 20:15–25:45 6. Substack, content, the algorithm, social media, & building community 25:45–30:33 7. Wattpad, Disney & Success as a writer 30:33–38:20 8. Authenticity, internet culture & writing as a tool for social change 38:20–47:57 9. Current WIP & Dream Project 47:57–49:39 10. Genre Preferences 49:39–51:34 11. Small casing & AI 51:34–56:32 12. Femininity, beauty standards, vulnerability & addressing personal insecurities through writing 56:32–1:04:40 13. Myths about being Kaothar Kadir, adulting & aging 1:04:40–1:08:40 14. Fan fiction & the beauty of short stories 1:08:40–1:18:32 15. Conclusion: 1:18:32 Please leave a review. Quotes from the episode: “Just because something is complicated doesn’t mean it’s profound.” “School is horrible.” “I recognize that every time I write something and someone reads it, it becomes more than I am and it goes out into the world and it has the potential to be a lot more than I am and even transform into something different.” “I think it’s nice to find humour in the things that scare you.” Essays/Books/Films/Resources Mentioned: ​Top 100 Books of the Century – NYT​On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous — Ocean Vuong​The Thing Around Your Neck — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie​Milk and Honey — Rupi Kaur​I’m a Chin-Haired Witch​Kola’s Hands Are Rougher Than Man​Adeola Steals a Baby​The Figurine — Kunle Afolayan​Black Mirror​Inception — Christopher Nolan

    1h 19m

About

This season, we’d be, • Discussing the craft of writing—from shower ideas and messy drafts to publication. • Having great conversations with talented writers across diverse genres. • Reviewing the top and underrated fictional and real-life stories shaping our culture. • Navigating a world of cynicism, AI, and endless distractions as writers. • And most importantly, discovering how we can become the best versions of ourselves in our writing careers.