Sunday Edition: Writing a Graphic Novel

Sunday Edition: Writing a Graphic Novel

On this special Sunday interview episode, Josh Gondelman is joined by guest JD Amato, a writer whose debut middle grade graphic novel (The Endless Game) was published earlier this year. They wander into the flashlight-lit world of graphic novels, childhood games, and bedtime imagination. What You’ll Hear The Endless Game Begins: JD shares how his new graphic novel grew into an 80-year game of capture the flag, complete with secret roles, neighborhood lore, and the kind of adventure that keeps kids reading past bedtime. Kids, Bikes, and Big Feelings: Josh and JD talk about writing for young readers, building characters who feel real, and why even the quiet kid hiding in the bushes deserves a heroic moment. Comics Before Dreams: Inspired by listener Ian, JD reflects on why graphic novels might be the perfect pre-sleep stretch for your imagination. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro & welcome to our guest, JD Amato! 01:40 Kids reading past bedtime 03:00 Why graphic novels make great bedtime reading 04:26 The Endless Game and an 80-year capture the flag adventure 05:13 Turning the story into a visual world 07:38 Sophie Morse’s character designs 09:06 Building color, place, and visual flow 10:37 Writing without over-outlining 13:36 Discovering characters through the story 15:19 Drawing bikes 200 times 16:22 Setting the book in a no-screens 90s world 17:33 Kick the Can, flashlight tag, and neighborhood rules 19:16 Writing big feelings for kids 21:33 What role would you play in the game? 22:00 Comics as dream preparation 25:00 Good nights For the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co [https://open.acast.com/networks/6903aa8095ee8b18150a6546/shows/690506f33906f8011ad09a86/hatch.co]. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts [https://www.tiktok.com/@hatchpodcasts] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hatchforsleep/shorts]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

New Socks & the Smell of the Summer

Josh Gondelman and Matt Bragg beat the heat with holiday laundry, fresh socks, and a sleepy round of summertime "would you rather." What You’ll Hear Heat Waves & Holiday Packing: Matt makes the case for cold weather, nice jackets, and the strange fashion sacrifices required before a vacation. The New Sock Renaissance: A humble drawer refresh becomes a surprisingly powerful act of self-care, with a few SpongeBob socks left in the emotional archive. Summer Hits & Poolside Peace: Josh and Matt choose between making the song of the summer or starring in a blockbuster, then settle the eternal beach versus pool debate. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro & greetings 00:36 Matt makes his case against hot weather 02:16 Holiday laundry and World Cup optimism 04:36 Sports fandom, comedy, and useful delusion 07:00 The joy of buying new socks 12:34 Happy Fourth of July and housewarming parties 14:44 Summertime Would You Rather begins 15:00 Summer blockbuster or song of the summer? 19:42 Beach day or pool day? 21:38 Goodnights For the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co [https://open.acast.com/networks/6903aa8095ee8b18150a6546/shows/690506f33906f8011ad09a86/hatch.co]. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts [https://www.tiktok.com/@hatchpodcasts] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hatchforsleep/shorts]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Running 50 Marathons

KP Parker and Caller Rosie talk about chasing a marathon goal that spans all 50 states. What You’ll Hear: A Very Long To-Do List: Rosie shares her quest to run a full marathon in every state, and how a goal that takes years can be surprisingly calming. The Scenic Route: From Philadelphia streets to humid Florida mornings, they explore how running can become a unique way to experience a new place. Finding Your Pace: Rosie reflects on the unexpected moment she fell in love with running and offers gentle advice for anyone thinking about starting their own endurance journey. CHAPTERS 00:00 Movie theater memberships and popcorn economics 03:30 Meet Rosie and her 50-state marathon goal 06:35 Favorite races and seeing cities on foot 07:04 Hills, humidity, and race-day challenges 08:00 The marathon with a donkey 09:30 Learning to love long-distance running 10:30 Advice for aspiring marathoners 13:00 Why so many biologists run long distances 13:46 Marathon-running parents and goodnight wishes For the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co [https://open.acast.com/networks/6903aa8095ee8b18150a6546/shows/690506f33906f8011ad09a86/hatch.co]. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts [https://www.tiktok.com/@hatchpodcasts] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hatchforsleep/shorts]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Imperfect Bedtime Routine w/ Greta Johnsen

Greta Johnsen talks to a caller about bedtime routines, imperfect habits, and the small rituals that help a busy household wind down. What You’ll Hear The Myth of the Perfect Routine: Virginia shares what evenings actually look like in her Brooklyn home, from late dinners and dog walks to navigating a teenager’s sudden bursts of nighttime creativity. The 87 Percent Club: Greta explores why routines don’t have to be perfect to be helpful, and how a little self-compassion can make bedtime feel a lot less like homework. Tiny Rituals, Big Comfort: From horoscopes and short stories to beloved lip balms and the joy of a perfectly dialed-in mattress, a conversation about the little things that make bedtime feel like home. CHAPTERS 01:13 Meet Virginia from Brooklyn 03:49 What an ideal evening looks like 07:49 Short stories for winding down 09:00 Letting go of bedtime perfection 13:00 Finding a show to watch together 17:24 Favorite lip balms For the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co [https://open.acast.com/networks/6903aa8095ee8b18150a6546/shows/690506f33906f8011ad09a86/hatch.co]. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts [https://www.tiktok.com/@hatchpodcasts] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hatchforsleep/shorts]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

A Helpful Bedtime Ghost w/ Greta Johnsen

Greta Johnsen takes a call about mysterious nighttime noises, possible ghosts, and the surprisingly practical perks of a haunted house. What You’ll Hear The Ghost Test: When weird sounds, misplaced keys, and flickering lights could just as easily be everyday life, how would you know if a ghost had moved in? Greta and caller Alex investigate. Tea, Spices, and Other Evidence: A conversation that wanders delightfully through chamomile pronunciations, alphabetized spice racks, and the comfort of a well-earned bedtime routine. Dream House Haunting: If a ghost were real, could it do something useful? From making iced tea to changing fitted sheets, Greta and Alex imagine the ultimate sleep-supportive spirit. CHAPTERS 01:25 A mysterious nighttime noise 05:00 The spice rack test 10:49 Chamomile tea talk 16:43 Designing the ideal bedtime ghost 17:28 Goodnight to Mom For the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co [https://open.acast.com/networks/6903aa8095ee8b18150a6546/shows/690506f33906f8011ad09a86/hatch.co]. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts [https://www.tiktok.com/@hatchpodcasts] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hatchforsleep/shorts]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.