Otherppl with Brad Listi
AWP, DUI, DOA, JFK, WW3, WTF, SMH
Why It Matters
The episode captures the blend of personal vulnerability and cultural commentary that resonates with writers and creatives navigating conferences, publishing, and everyday absurdities. By turning mundane mishaps into relatable humor, Brad and Mira highlight the challenges of the literary community and the importance of staying authentic amid industry pressures.
Key Takeaways
- •Mira sold enough Deep Dive courses to profit at AWP.
- •She rescued a beanie from a toilet, then washed it.
- •Solo booth required heavy luggage, costing $200 overweight fee.
- •Baltimore's foggy streets inspired unexpected literary reflections.
- •Hotel staff fatigue led Mira to leave generous tip.
Pulse Analysis
Brad and Mira’s latest episode turns a routine pop‑culture chat into a case study of literary event marketing. The duo opens with Mira’s recent appearance at the American Writers & Publishers (AWP) conference, where she promoted the Deep Dive audio‑course platform and previewed her upcoming poetry collection, “I Never Said I Wanted to Feel Good.” Listeners hear a concise rundown of the conference’s schedule, the sponsorship plug for the novel *Black Bag*, and the strategic intent behind leveraging AWP’s audience for author branding.
Mira’s on‑the‑ground report highlights the gritty logistics that often determine a booth’s return on investment. She flew into Baltimore on a Tuesday, lugged over fifty pounds of tablecloths, banners and flyers, and paid a $200 overweight fee before even setting up. Working alone, she managed to sell enough Deep Dive courses to cover expenses and generate profit, proving that a well‑designed stand can pay for itself despite limited staffing. The episode underscores the importance of pre‑event planning, cost‑control, and real‑time sales tracking for publishers and independent writers alike.
The conversation veers into personal mishaps that double as cultural observations. Mira recounts rescuing a beanie from a restaurant toilet, navigating a fog‑filled Baltimore night, and confronting indifferent hotel staff, even leaving a $40 tip and Hershey’s kisses to smooth the interaction. These anecdotes illustrate how hospitality environments can affect a writer’s morale and networking efficiency. For event organizers and literary marketers, the takeaway is clear: anticipate local quirks, prioritize staff goodwill, and turn unexpected moments into authentic brand stories that resonate with audiences.
Episode Description
Volume 82 of Brad & Mira For the Culture...Brad reviews his AWP 2026 experience in Baltimore...accidentally dropped his winter hat in a toilet...traveled with large amounts of avocados and tangerines...fasted daily...didn't pee...worked out at dawn in hotel gym...Mira goes to the Frieze LA, now hates art...gets a severe migraine in the aftermath...goes to Disneyland...Trump starts WWIII to distract from the fact that he's a psychotic child rapist...Britney gets a DUI in Ventura....Florida woman shoots at Rihanna's house...JFK Jr., Carolyn, Love Story...Ryan Murphy is unafraid to insult the dead...& more... *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. This episode is sponsored by Ulysses. Go to ulys.app/writeabook to download Ulysses, and use the code OTHERPPL at checkout to get 25% off the first year of your yearly subscription." Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Get How to Write a Novel, the debut audio course from DeepDive. 50+ hours of never-before-heard insight, inspiration, and instruction from dozens of today's most celebrated contemporary authors. Subscribe to Brad's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
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