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 and novelist Cole Haddon for 5AM StoryTalk, a weekly deep dive into 21st century culture and global issues through the lens of storytelling.
Main episodes feature screenwriting deep dives, cultural analysis, and intimate conversations with artists and thought leaders like John August (Scriptnotes), Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange), Dr. Kevin Hand (NASA), and Sen. Fatima Payman (Australian politician). Bonus eps offer craft and arts industry insights and “mini masterclasses’”breaking down seminal pieces of art from guests’ lives.
Why does Disney’s modern era of ‘Star Wars’ leave so many fans indifferent at best and running away at worst? It isn’t just you – and it isn't a lack of explosions and lightsaber duels. In this episode, I take a close look at the new film ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ to diagnose a massive narrative crisis in not just it, but most ‘Star Wars’ projects post-George Lucas. By breaking this golden rule of commercial storytelling, Disney has ensured that audiences will continue to tune out and films like ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’ will continue to bomb.
Today’s conversation is as much for storytellers looking to improve their craft as ‘Star Wars’ fanatics who are having trouble putting a finger on why so many of these stories aren’t moving them or the broader culture anymore.
ON THE ITINERARY:
- THE CONSEQUENCE CRISIS: Breaking down why modern ‘Star Wars’ stories feel like they’re spinning their wheels, and how avoiding real narrative stakes kills audience investment.
- THE FORGOTTEN GOLDEN RULE: Unpacking the essential rule of commercial storytelling that Disney keeps breaking – and how violating it directly triggers profound audience fatigue.
- THE SCREENWRITER'S DIAGNOSIS: A clinical look at the script-level choices that drain characters of true agency and leave zero room for permanent, impactful change.
- LESSONS FOR CREATORS: How screenwriters, novelists, and storytellers of any kind can look at the erosion of a multi-billion-dollar franchise to protect and sharpen their own stakes.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY!
Join the 10,000+ members of the 5AM StoryTalk community at Substack mastering the craft of storytelling (and the art of life) together: https://colehaddon.substack.com/
EXCLUSIVE BONUS EPISODE: ”SCREENWRITERS: HOW TO SURVIVE HOLLYWOOD'S NO-WIN SCENARIO”I crashed and burned when I faced my first Kobayashi Maru test during the rewrite of a major spec feature sale… but you can learn from my mistakes.
UNLOCK THE BONUS AT SUBSTACK: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/hollywood-screenwriting-development-hellUNLOCK THE BONUS AT APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-screenwriters-how-to-survive-hollywoods-no-win/id1807437928?i=1000772928000
LINKS:
- Listen/Read ”How 'Andor' Blows Up Star Wars' Obsession With Moral Absolutism”: https://open.substack.com/pub/colehaddon/p/new-podcast-how-andor-blows-up-sta
- Read ”Luke Skywalker Isn't the Hero You Want Him to Be”: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/luke-skywalker-isnt-the-hero-you
- Read ”Lucasfilm’s Disregard for the O.G. Heir to the 'Star Wars' Empire Is Part of a Larger Entertainment Industry Problem”: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/the-og-heir-to-star-wars-empire-say
- Read: ”What Really Went Wrong With the 'Star Wars' Prequels…Maybe”: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/what-really-went-wrong-with-the-star
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 to help keep me caffeinated (translation: writing):
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
EMAIL:
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/
- Cover art: 'The Mandalorian and Grogu'
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.
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