Tell an artist/writer/podcaster/maker that what they’re doing matters to you. They want to hear it. Making shit is lonely work most of the time and it helps to know that the circuit is being completed somewhere.
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I know you've interviewed @jasonkpargin.bsky.social and I am a huge fan of his books. It's impressive how prescient his Zoey Ashe books are. And funny. His books are not seeking to provide comfort but they are weirdly comforting. He sees how this whole "human nature" thing tends to play out.
Your work through the years, including Wits and podcasts, is very important to me and has brought a sense that the world can be an amazing place. Thanks for all the laughs and all the more serious content.
I just sent @benjpas.bsky.social a message on IG telling him how much I loved the surprise musical episode of the podcast “The Good Whale.” Totally unpublicized and can’t imagine it was more than a labor of love. Hope he gets it & it means something.
I know you’re saying this for all of us under that umbrella and not fishing, and I *think* I told you, but your book was the first I read after getting out of the hospital a few years back and it was…well timed. So thank you.
Hi John, what you do matters to me! I've enjoyed listening since the Hilarious World days (I still sort of miss the opening riff of the Pagliacci song tbh) and I appreciate that you get people to talk about the struggles and insecurities that aren't often part of other interview shows
I liked this post for many reasons, but I feel I should say - I’ve been going through a rough patch the last couple months and struggling to fall sleep, and Sleeping With Celebrities has become such a lifesaver and absolute comfort for me.
You have made an incredible difference in my life with your work. Sleeping with Celebrities is my favorite. I really liked the episode that featured your wife, too!
I love Sleeping with Celebrities. I often think about the clam lady (forget her name), and I proudly proclaim myself a “porridge man like Scott Thompson” every day when I make porridge.
Every year I pick a couple people to tell them that I enjoy their work. I don't care if they respond or not, I just want to encourage them to keep making content that zi enjoy.
Well, in that case, I’ve read and loved all of your books, a) because the writing is great and b) because I’m a librarian who grew up in rural NW Ohio and it’s meant a lot to see those parts of myself in art.
to that end: i think about EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU all the time, in particular the absolute mastery of the shifts in perspective, how clear and specific everyone's viewpoint is and how important those viewpoints are to the structure and theme and power of the story
Thank you for saying this. It matters and I appreciate the reminder. AND making shit IS lonely work - and somehow that feels like a taboo topic, so thank you for saying it.
In related news, Wits is still one of my all time favorites and to this day I tell people about it as though there's a new episode coming out tomorrow. It got me through some rough days and will continue to do so.
I discovered you in the space between THWoD and DM and I have been a member of MaxFun and Preshies since DM started. I honestly can say that you have saved me from my own broken brain many times over the years. I don’t have the words to tell you how much I appreciate you, but thank you John!
A customer took the time to email me yesterday after receiving some of my cards. She said my work was exquisite and I've been floating on that word since then. It means so much to connect with someone. As you say, creative work can be lonely.
Thanks for this PSA. I find it weird that Apple doesn’t have an in-app “like” button for podcasts. But I refuse to use Amazon or Youtube for podcasts anymore.
There is a beautiful series of paintings I used to walk by at work all the time. I sent the artists an email and they were so glad to hear that their work was making people happy
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Although I am fortunate in that most of my creation is collaborative, it can still be lonely work.
Obligated here to mention that the work continues with Depresh Mode, the show I started after THWoD ended.
We still do stage shows and there may be new digital content in 2025!
Me has hecho volver a leer libros de Historia siete años después de acabar la carrera hartita de todo.