Alchemy... from Effigy Press

Deflated!

Today, Tim and LeeAnna talk about when everything unexpectedly goes pear-shaped, and the gawkable spectacle of embarrassed deflation. Writers, get ready to humble your characters. Non-writers, stay tuned for some cringey moments, including a “chicken in curry” calamity.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you the soul-crushing ads for super-comfortable mattresses that promise to change your life, but really just take over your bedroom and cost more than your rent. You’re welcome—because we care about your sleep (and your finances). And if one of those ads sneaks in, I swear we didn’t approve it. Just blame it on the algorithm’s obsession with making you think you can’t sleep without a mattress that costs as much as a small car.
LinksRead The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive.  Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Emotions, Emotions Everywhere

Today, our podcasters explore emotions, and how they are both complex and unpredictable. Writers, get ready to think outside the box. Non-writers, stay tuned anyway—it’s bound to get fascinating.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you any ads for Tex-Mex food that promises to deliver a fiesta right to your door, but really just leaves you in a tortilla-induced coma. You’re welcome—because we care about your digestion (and your ability to move after eating). And if one of those ads sneaks through, I swear we didn’t put it there. Just blame it on the algorithm’s obsession with cheese and spice.
LinksRead The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A  

Breaking the Bro Code

Join Tim and LeeAnna for Alchemy... the podcast from Effigy Press that embraces the delightful chaos of life. Whether you’re a fiction writer looking to refine your craft, or just someone who enjoys watching the world spin and needs fresh conversation material for your next cocktail party, we’ve got you covered.
Today, our podcasters dive deep into the ‘bro’ code of male types, cracking open the mysteries of the universe—or at least the gym locker room. They’ll go full throttle into the super-popular, slightly ridiculous concept of the ‘Delta Male.’ (Yes, it’s a thing, and no, we’re still not sure why.) Writers, get ready to think outside the box. Non-writers, stick around—you might learn something weird, or at the very least, laugh your way through it. Non-writers, stay tuned anyway—it’s bound to be madness.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you the endless parade of ads from other podcasts that are clearly desperate for attention, like they’re handing out free cookies at a networking event. You’re welcome—because we care about your ears (and your dignity). And if one sneaks in, I swear we didn’t sign off on it. Just blame it on the algorithm’s obsession with ‘podcast culture.’
Links
WikiHow article on male personality types – pseudo-science with a dose of, er, advice: https://www.wikihow.com/Male-Personality-Types
Looksmaxxing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looksmaxxing
The Sigma face – Christian Bale: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/steam-workshoppatrick-bateman-sigma-face-music--923730573557116528/
The sigma face being mocked (at least I think it’s being mocked): https://www.tiktok.com/@argenby/video/7173643121295756546
Mewing: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-mewing
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive.  Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Quantum Entanglement

Join Tim and LeeAnna for Alchemy... the podcast from Effigy Press where we shamelessly embrace the delightful chaos of life. Whether you're a fiction writer desperately trying to pull your craft out of the gutter, or just someone who enjoys watching the world spin out of control and needs some new, bizarre fodder for your next cocktail party thought-starter, we’ve got you covered.
Today, our podcasters have an absolute riot with Quantum Entanglement—because nothing says 'good times' like spooky science that makes your brain want to explode. Writers, get ready for a cartload of wild, mind-melting ideas. Non-writers, stick around anyway—it’s about to get weird.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you the unsolicited ads for 'that thing' that, let's just say, tends to happen when your ‘manhood’ goes on an extended vacation. You’re welcome—because we care about your dignity (and your, ahem, pride). And if one of those ads slips through, I swear we didn’t approve it. Just blame it on the algorithm’s apparent obsession with rejuvenation.
LinksRead The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive.  Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

The Wrong Words

Join Tim and LeeAnna for Alchemy... the podcast from Effigy Press where we dive headfirst into the delightful chaos of life. Whether you're a fiction writer struggling to untangle your mess of a plot, or just someone who loves watching the world spin out of control and needs fresh material for your next cocktail party lecture, we’ve got you covered.
Today, our podcasters get into the delightful disaster that happens when people don’t share the same fluency—or any fluency at all—on tough topics. Writers, get ready to think in a whole new way (if you can). Non-writers, buckle up—it’s going to get very, very messy.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you the soul-crushing ads for the latest iPhone that’s basically the same as the last one, but now with a ‘new number’ and a slightly shinier edge. You’re welcome—because we care about your wallet (and your sense of tech-induced déjà vu). And if one of those ads sneaks in, I swear we didn’t approve it. Just blame it on the algorithm’s desperate need to sell you the same thing again.
LinksRead The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive.  Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Existential Family Secrets

Join Tim and LeeAnna for Alchemy... the podcast from Effigy Press where we fully lean into the glorious chaos of life. Whether you’re a fiction writer trying to make sense of your mess of a manuscript, or just someone who enjoys watching the world burn from a safe distance and needs some fresh material for your next cocktail party disaster, we’ve got you covered.
Today, our podcasters dive headfirst into the delightful mess that is Existential Family Secrets—because nothing says 'fun' like realizing your relatives are full of surprises (none of them good). Writers, prepare to think way outside the box. Non-writers, buckle up anyway—it’s bound to be pure madness.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve shielded you from the delightful experience of ads for some bizarre, made-up disease that sounds like it’s straight out of a sci-fi novel. You’re welcome—because we care about your well-being (and not sending you spiraling into hypochondria). And if one of those ads slips through, I swear we didn’t greenlight it. Just blame it on the algorithm’s questionable medical degree.
LinksRead The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A  

Memory & Self-Identity

Join Tim, LeeAnna, and Seth (guest) from Effigy Press as they dive into the absurdly complicated world of memory, identity, and writing. From questioning whether your brain is actually trustworthy to deciding if your character’s backstory is a hot mess or just ‘authentic,’ these three somehow manage to make sense of it all. Oh, and because writing a novel is basically a sadistic endurance test, they’ll toss in some 'motivational' thoughts on how to actually finish one without resorting to throwing your laptop out the window. Spoiler: it's not pretty, but they’re here for the chaos.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you the torture of obnoxious ads for tele-mental health services and mind-numbing product placements. You’re welcome—because we care about your sanity (and your eardrums). And if there are any ads, I swear we didn’t put them there.
Links“Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters” by Charan Ranganath: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Remember-Unlocking-Memorys/dp/038554863X
Brandy Schillace, review in the WSJ of the above book: https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/why-we-remember-review-finding-time-again-and-again-c2736426
Brandy Schillace: https://brandyschillace.com/about/
The episode extract of the Simpsons we watched (1 minute 7 seconds): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Oa6P7D2NQ
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive.  Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A
 

Twists and Turns

Join Tim and LeeAnna for Alchemy... the podcast from Effigy Press where we wholeheartedly embrace the delightful chaos of life. Whether you’re a fiction writer trying to un-screw-up your craft, or just someone who loves watching the world spin off its axis and needs new material for your next cocktail party meltdown, we’ve got you covered.
Today, our podcasters dive into the idea that life is like a pinball machine. Sure, we can control the flippers, but like the metal ball, we’re constantly bouncing off the sides—aka, other people, random events, and the absolute unpredictability of the universe. (Don’t worry, it’s not depressing. Mostly.) Writers, prepare to break all the rules. Non-writers, buckle up anyway—it’s bound to get twisted.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you the unsolicited joy of ads for solar panels you’ll never install because, you know, maybe you’re not ready to turn your roof into a solar farm just yet. You’re welcome—because we care about your energy levels (and your personal space). And if one slips in, I swear we didn’t approve it. Just blame it on the algorithm’s misguided attempt at saving the planet one unsolicited ad at a time.
Links
‘Garbage Day’ newsletter can be found here: https://www.garbageday.email/
The book Tim references about Proust is ‘How Proust Can Change Your Life’ by Alain de Botton (not ‘Bottom’ as it sounds in the podcast) and is here: https://www.alaindebotton.com/literature/ - it is one of Tim’s favorites and a frequent gift of his to hostesses and friends.
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massahttps://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysLicense code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4
Outro music: nightdrive by mood-mazehttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5P

You're Trying Too Hard!

Join Tim and LeeAnna for Alchemy... the podcast from Effigy Press where we throw our hands up at the chaos of life and laugh our way through it. Whether you’re a fiction writer struggling to refine your craft or just someone who enjoys watching the world fall apart and needs new material for your next cocktail party meltdown, we’ve got you covered.
Today, our fearless podcasters dissect the fine art of self-sabotage—because nothing says 'success' like trying too hard and ruining everything. Writers, get ready to break all the rules. Non-writers, stick around—you’ll probably learn something shocking.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you the joy of ads for that exercise machine that’s going to take over your entire guest bedroom and haunt you for the next six months—until you pay $200 to have it hauled away. You’re welcome—because we care about your space (and your ability to use your guest room for, you know, actual guests). And if one of those ads slips through, I swear we didn’t approve it. Just blame it on the algorithm’s obsession with fitness fads.
LinksRead The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive.  Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thinking About Dating?

Join Tim and LeeAnna for Alchemy... the podcast from Effigy Press where we embrace the beautiful mess of life. Whether you're a fiction writer honing your craft, or just someone who loves watching the world spin in all its chaotic glory and needs some fresh conversation starters for your next cocktail party, we’ve got you covered.
Today, our fearless podcasters dive headfirst into the wild world of dating—because what could be more chaotic than that? Writers, prepare to stretch your creative muscles. Non-writers, stay tuned anyway—it’s going to get interesting.
Of course, as with all our podcasts, we’ve spared you the absolute joy of ads for some disease you’ve never heard of, that probably only exists in a laboratory somewhere or in a shady corner of the internet. You’re welcome—because we care about your health (and your peace of mind). And if one of those ads somehow sneaks in, I swear we didn’t approve it. Blame it on the algorithm’s wild imagination.
LinksRead The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive.  Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A