5AM StoryTalk
5AM StoryTalk
Podcast Description
A place to talk about stories in all their forms, the craft that goes into them, and the role art plays in our lives. Every week, host Cole Haddon (creator, NBC/Sky's "Dracula"/author, Psalms for the End of the World) chats with leading filmmakers, authors, comic book creators, and other intellectuals about art, culture, and a seminal artwork from their lives.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores a wide range of themes related to art and storytelling, including the role of art in society, the evolution of narrative forms, and the creative processes of artists. Specific episode examples include discussions about social justice in filmmaking with Mike Jackson, the importance of character exploration in Sophie Hyde's work, and the intersection of science and art in Dr. Anne Rimoin's episode.
Why does art matter in our chaotic world? Join screenwriter Cole Haddon (creator, NBC/Sky’s ‘Dracula’) for 5AM StoryTalk, a weekly deep dive into the 21st century through storytelling.
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Each episode features intimate conversations with guests like John August (Scriptnotes), Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange), and Dr. Kevin Hand (NASA). Main episodes are paired with bonus ‘mini masterclasses’ on seminal artworks from guests’ lives.
Whether deconstructing craft or exploring how art influences our understanding of global issues, 5AM StoryTalk is for anyone trying to make sense of it all.
“20 years ago, it was possible to sell a film/TV pitch based on a badass title alone. Today? I have an A-list actor attached and still can't get paid.” 🎬✍️
In this episode of 5AM STORYTALK, I pull back the curtain on the back-breaking, soul-crushing work that is development in modern Hollywood 🎬.
By way of a personal anecdote from my 20 years as a professional screenwriter and TV creator – involving a prestige limited series and one of my favorite actors – I break down what it’s like to be a screenwriter in 2026 ✍️.
It’s a world where screenwriters are expected to break entire seasons, create visual decks, and attach A-list talent—all for free—only to be told by studios that the work has barely begun.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:
THE DEATH OF DEVELOPMENT: How studios offloaded financial risk onto the shoulders of writers 📉.
THE ATTACHMENT TRAP: What happens when an A-list star joins your project and the studio still refuses to trigger a paycheck 🪤.
THE SPEC TRAP: Why writing for free is an ”exploitative and abusive” cycle that even established writers struggle to break 🔄.
SURVIVAL TACTICS: How to protect your creative heart (and your bank account) when the industry demands your soul on spec ❤️🩹.
BONUS EPISODE: ”Why You Shouldn't Trust Hollywood Agents”
I explore the institutional inability of agents to be honest with their clients, featuring a hell of an example from my own career. This is an essential listen to help navigate your relationship with your agents – especially as your career in Hollywood takes off 🚀. Exclusive to Apple and Substack listeners.
🎧 APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-why-you-shouldnt-trust-hollywood-agents/id1807437928?i=1000753843560
✍️ SUBSTACK: https://colehaddon.substack.com/
LINKS:
- Read the essay “The F*cked Up Amount of Work It Takes to (Not) Sell Something in Hollywood” at Substack 🔗
- Another useful essay/podcast episode you should catch – “How to Survive the Sad, Uncertain Life of an Artist”: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/new-podcast-episode-how-to-survive?utm_source=publication-search 🎭
SUBSCRIBE TO THE ‘5AM STORYTALK NEWSLETTER’
https://colehaddon.substack.com/
You’ll gain access to both the 5AM StoryTalk newsletter and all episodes of this podcast – including exclusive bonus episodes in which my guests discuss seminal pieces of art from their lives. Ask questions in the comments section there, too!
SUBSCRIBE TO THE ‘5AM STORYTALK PODCAST’ AT APPLE
A paid subscription at Apple will get you access to all of my bonus episodes in which my guests return to break down a seminal artwork from their lives.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5am-storytalk/id1807437928
TIP JAR
Not up for a paid subscription but appreciate the work that’s gone into making this podcast happen? You can “buy me a coffee” here: https://buymeacoffee.com/colehaddon
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Cole/5AM StoryTalk at:
5AM StoryTalk @ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5amstorytalkpodcast/
Cole Haddon @ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colehaddonwashere/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/colehaddon.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.com/Colehaddonwashere
CREDITS
5AM StoryTalk acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded, the Djarra people of the Kulin Nation and pay respects to Elders past and present.
This podcast’s music is by Cary Brothers. https://www.carybrothers.com/
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.