Sasq’et The Story - Road to Streaming

Podcast Cary

What does it actually take to turn a novel into a streaming series? Join Sasq'et author Maxim Langstaff, and host Joe Woolworth as they attempt something most writers only dream about: transforming an independently published novel into a streaming television series. Each episode documents the real journey—the meetings, setbacks, wins, industry secrets, marketing experiments, networking opportunities, and unexpected lessons that move the project one step closer to the screen. Along the way, Joe and Maxim sit down with producers, showrunners, authors, actors, agents, publicists, marketers, executives, and creators who have successfully navigated the entertainment industry. Every conversation is designed to answer one question: What is the next step toward making Sasq'et a television series? Whether you're a writer, filmmaker, entrepreneur, dreamer, or simply someone chasing a seemingly impossible goal, this show offers a front-row seat to the process. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just the real story of what happens when two creators decide to aim for Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, or wherever the journey leads. One episode. One connection. One step closer.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    The Secret to Writing Powerful Stories

    Using examples from John Denver's conservation work, the Wildlife Concert, films like FernGully and Avatar, and themes embedded throughout Sasq'et, Max and Joe discuss the difference between storytelling and lecturing, message versus agenda, and why the most powerful stories invite audiences to care rather than tell them what to think. The conversation also explores the neuroscience of storytelling, conservation themes hidden within Sasq'et, and why adapting the novel into a streaming series could bring its message to a much larger audience.  If you're a writer, filmmaker, creative professional, conservationist, or simply someone who loves great stories, this episode offers insights into what makes stories resonate long after the final page or closing credits. 00:00 – Welcome back to Sasq'et the Story00:45 – Can a novel become a streaming series?01:15 – Why storytelling matters more than ever02:00 – The conservation themes inside Sasq'et02:45 – Lessons from John Denver and the Wildlife Concert04:00 – Why conservation was central to John Denver's mission06:00 – Authenticity versus preaching09:00 – John Denver's gift as a storyteller11:00 – Why music changes hearts better than politics13:00 – Stories versus lectures14:30 – The neuroscience of storytelling15:00 – Message versus agenda in creative work17:00 – When does subtext become propaganda?18:00 – How editors help writers avoid preaching19:00 – FernGully vs. Avatar: where is the line?21:00 – Why The Wizard of Oz still works23:00 – Leaving space for the audience24:00 – Environmental themes hidden inside Sasq'et25:00 – Conservation, ecology, and humanity's future27:00 – Why Sasq'et belongs on screen28:00 – Reaching audiences through streaming television29:00 – What Max hopes readers feel after finishing the book31:00 – Why great stories invite people to care32:00 – The challenge of getting meaningful stories made33:00 – How listeners can help the Road to Streaming journey34:00 – Closing thoughts ------------------Want to join the team? Level 1: Become a Reader If you haven’t read Sasq’et yet, pick up your copy at https://sasqetthebook.com. The stronger the readership, the stronger the case for adaptation. Level 2: Join the Expedition Join the newsletter at sasqetthebook.com and follow the journey between episodes. This should be framed as exclusive access. Level 3: Recruit the Next Guest This one is gold because it helps the show. Who should we talk to next? A producer? A showrunner? An actor? A streamer executive? Someone who’s turned a book into a series?  Leave a comment and help us build the roadmap. Level 4: Become a Scout This is where you become part of the Sasq'et research team. Know someone who should be helpful to talk with about making the streaming series? Make an introduction. Every connection moves the story forward. Level 5: Join the Mission Share this episode with one person who loves great stories, wilderness adventures, Bigfoot lore, or impossible dreams. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    34 min
  2. Can We Turn a Bestselling Novel Into a Streaming Series?

    Jun 6

    Can We Turn a Bestselling Novel Into a Streaming Series?

    In the first episode of SASQ'ET The Story, podcast producer Joe and author Max introduce their experiment: documenting the attempt to adapt Max’s 676-page novel SASQ'ET into a streaming TV series (or possibly a feature film) with audience participation. They discuss the book’s seven-year creation, strong reviews, national bestseller status, a book trailer nearing a million views, and a 23-hour audiobook, then outline the underdog reality—no producer, studio, or agent yet—while setting a goal of reaching 10,000 YouTube followers and building a fan base to attract industry interest. Max explains why the story is cinematic, built on cliffhangers, and explores the plausibility and deeper themes of the Sasquatch phenomenon through Mallory, a strong veterinarian protagonist whose life is upended by a mysterious inheritance and key. They invite viewers to read the book, subscribe, suggest guests, and help make introductions. 00:00 Welcome to the Experiment01:16 Max and the Book Origin02:25 Why This Book Is Blowing Up03:32 Building the Fan Army05:15 Can It Become a Series08:15 Max Background as Writer09:48 Elevator Pitch for Sascat12:58 Meet Mallory the Hero14:19 Bigfoot vs Sasquatch Explained17:48 Themes and the Mystery Key21:56 Why Streaming Works Best22:53 Series Versus Film23:17 Epic Movie Inspirations24:34 TV Is Where It’s At25:11 Writing A Female Lead25:54 Publishing Reality Check29:08 Attention In The Algorithm Age31:46 Underdog Progress Update33:07 What We Still Lack34:40 Talking To Showrunners35:16 Taylor Sheridan Fanboy Moment38:34 Build Fans And Subscribe39:51 Defining Success In Five Years42:31 Why Should I Care44:28 Mission Status And Farewell ------------------Want to join the team? Level 1: Become a Reader If you haven’t read Sasq’et yet, pick up your copy at https://sasqetthebook.com. The stronger the readership, the stronger the case for adaptation. Level 2: Join the Expedition Join the newsletter at sasqetthebook.com and follow the journey between episodes. This should be framed as exclusive access. Level 3: Recruit the Next Guest This one is gold because it helps the show. Who should we talk to next? A producer? A showrunner? An actor? A streamer executive? Someone who’s turned a book into a series?  Leave a comment and help us build the roadmap. Level 4: Become a Scout This is where you become part of the Sasq'et research team. Know someone who should be helpful to talk with about making the streaming series? Make an introduction. Every connection moves the story forward. Level 5: Join the Mission Share this episode with one person who loves great stories, wilderness adventures, Bigfoot lore, or impossible dreams. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    46 min
  3. Jun 5

    Trailer

    What does it actually take to turn a novel into a streaming series? Join Sasq'et author Maxim Langstaff, and host Joe Woolworth as they attempt something most writers only dream about: transforming an independently published novel into a streaming television series. Each episode documents the real journey—the meetings, setbacks, wins, industry secrets, marketing experiments, networking opportunities, and unexpected lessons that move the project one step closer to the screen. Along the way, Joe and Maxim sit down with producers, showrunners, authors, actors, agents, publicists, marketers, executives, and creators who have successfully navigated the entertainment industry. Every conversation is designed to answer one question: What is the next step toward making Sasq'et a television series? Whether you're a writer, filmmaker, entrepreneur, dreamer, or simply someone chasing a seemingly impossible goal, this show offers a front-row seat to the process. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just the real story of what happens when two creators decide to aim for Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, or wherever the journey leads. One episode. One connection. One step closer. ------------------Want to join the team? Level 1: Become a Reader If you haven’t read Sasq’et yet, pick up your copy at https://sasqetthebook.com. The stronger the readership, the stronger the case for adaptation. Level 2: Join the Expedition Join the newsletter at sasqetthebook.com and follow the journey between episodes. This should be framed as exclusive access. Level 3: Recruit the Next Guest This one is gold because it helps the show. Who should we talk to next? A producer? A showrunner? An actor? A streamer executive? Someone who’s turned a book into a series?  Leave a comment and help us build the roadmap. Level 4: Become a Scout This is where you become part of the Sasq'et research team. Know someone who should be helpful to talk with about making the streaming series? Make an introduction. Every connection moves the story forward. Level 5: Join the Mission Share this episode with one person who loves great stories, wilderness adventures, Bigfoot lore, or impossible dreams. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    24 sec

Trailer

About

What does it actually take to turn a novel into a streaming series? Join Sasq'et author Maxim Langstaff, and host Joe Woolworth as they attempt something most writers only dream about: transforming an independently published novel into a streaming television series. Each episode documents the real journey—the meetings, setbacks, wins, industry secrets, marketing experiments, networking opportunities, and unexpected lessons that move the project one step closer to the screen. Along the way, Joe and Maxim sit down with producers, showrunners, authors, actors, agents, publicists, marketers, executives, and creators who have successfully navigated the entertainment industry. Every conversation is designed to answer one question: What is the next step toward making Sasq'et a television series? Whether you're a writer, filmmaker, entrepreneur, dreamer, or simply someone chasing a seemingly impossible goal, this show offers a front-row seat to the process. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just the real story of what happens when two creators decide to aim for Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, or wherever the journey leads. One episode. One connection. One step closer.