Finding the Throughline with Kate Hanley

Finding the Throughline: Conversations about the Creative Process invites you into the minds of writers and other creatives as they open up about their process, their doubts, and what kinds of changes they’re thinking about making. The questions are mildly invasive, honestly, and the answers are unvarnished…and so refreshing! Whether your creative work is writing, painting, making music, parenting, or simply living, Finding the Throughline can help you get—and stay—inspired. Invigorated, even. For detailed show notes on each interview, visit katehanley.substack.com. And if you’d like to hear these interviews in one ad-free episode (as opposed to broken up into three shorter episodes with a few ads sprinkled in to keep the lights on), become a paid subscriber once you’re there. .

Episodes

[Deesha Philyaw: What’s coming up]: Giving yourself the support you need to take bigger swings with your work Ep 1292

October 16, 2026 • 19 mins

In part three of my interview with Deesha Philyaw–author of the brand-new novel “Confessions of First Lady Freeman,” and the National Book Award-finally story collection “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies”--we talk about what’s getting her creative juices flowing, the shifts she’s making as she starts writing her most ambitious work yet, and the shows, writers, and songs that are keeping he...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Deesha Philyaw, inner stuff]: The formula for caring less about other people’s reactions to your work Ep 1291

October 14, 2026 • 24 mins

In the second part of our conversation, Deesha Philyaw, whose hot off-the-presses novel “The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman” is a funny, juicy, sexy, and delicious peak behind the pulpit of a black megachurch, shares her insights on the beliefs, fears, and concerns she’s had to re-write, including:- Why she stopped focusing on getting published- The editing trick she swears by–although she absolutely...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Deesha Philyaw, practical matters]: Making the leap from writing as a hobby, to a way to pay the bills, to a major career Ep 1290

October 12, 2026 • 23 mins

This week my guest is Deesha Philyaw, who has been called “a bonafide literary treasure” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune.Deesha's short story collection, “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies,” was a 2020 National Book Award finalist, a Penn Faulkner Award for Fiction winner, and an LA Times Book Prize winner.Now, her highly anticipated novel, “The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman,” has just c...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Six writers share how they get their writing done Ep 1289

September 21, 2026 • 24 mins

Welcome to our third and final compilation episode where I share answers from six different writers to just one of my questions from the Finding the Throughline questionnaire. This week that question is: How do you get your writing done?Let's find out how the sausage gets made!Allegra Goodman, Octavia Randolph, Eric J. Dolan, Sheree L. Greer, Susan Scarf Merrell, and Daisy Florin give us a peel at both the practical side of whether...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Six writers share how they stay inspired Ep 1288

August 31, 2026 • 17 mins

This week I've got another compilation episode for you to enjoy while I take the rest of the summer off from producing new episodes.In today’s episode, I’m sharing answers from six different writers to the question: What is your favorite part of the writing process? What really lights you up and keeps you going?The writers you’ll hear from today are a mix of journalists, novelists, essayists, memoirists, and histo...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Producing creative work while holding down a day job Ep 1287

August 17, 2026 • 16 mins

I’m taking a little hiatus during the month of August, but I didn’t want to leave you with nothing new to listen to. So my editor and I have pulled some highlights from some our most-loved conversations that we know you'll enjoy.Something I ask everyone is: How do you make money??Not because I'm a tacky person (although maybe I am, a little) but because one of the biggest things that stops people from pursuing writing m...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Allegra Goodman: What’s coming up]: Encouraging your reader to think more deeply + a perfect snack Ep 1286

August 7, 2026 • 15 mins

In this final installment of my talk with Allegra Goodman, author of "This Is Not About Us," "Isola," and "Katterskill Falls", among many other books, she shares how she's aiming to use her work to get people to engage their brains a little more--in a most delightful way. And she also dishes on the books she's been loving and the food that's been fueling her.We talked about:- The nonfiction book she currently stayed up too late rea...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Allegra Goodman, inner stuff]: Thinking of writing as being a performer “in the theater of the reader’s imagination” Ep 1285

August 5, 2026 • 18 mins

Welcome to part two of my interview with Allegra Goodman, author of the brand new "This Is Not About Us" (which the NY Times called "deliciously readable"), “Isola” (a Reese's Book Club pick), and “Katterskill Falls” (nominated for the National Book Award).We covered:- Why starting a new project is the hardest part–and how she gets herself through it- How she trusts her inner critic to offer constructi...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Allegra Goodman, Practical matters]: Why you only need to write 100 words a day Ep 1284

August 3, 2026 • 22 mins

This week I’m replaying my interview with Allegra Goodman in honor of the release of her newest book, "This Is Not About Us," which the New York Times called "deliciously readable." She's also the author of "Isola,” which was a Reese's book club selection, and her first, “Katterskill Falls,” which was a National Book Award finalist, as well as multiple other books.We covered:- Getting "discovered" as a fresh...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Steve Ahlquist, what’s coming up]: When your popularity rises and falls depending on who’s president Ep 1283

July 24, 2026 • 24 mins

Welcome to the final installment of my interview with Steve Ahlquist, an independent journalist who covers social justice, economic justice, and environmental justice in the state of Rhode Island. Steve is the founder of the independent news site Uprise RI, and currently is sharing his reporting at his Substack, Steve Ahlquist News.In today’s episode we’re talking about where Steve’s throughline may be leading him...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Steve Ahlquist, inner stuff]: When your work elicits death threats Ep 1282

July 22, 2026 • 22 mins

In part two of my interview with Steve Ahlquist, an advocacy journalist in Rhode Island and publisher of Steve Ahlquist News, we get into the ideas and thought processes that inform his reporting, including:- An honest look at the physical risks of covering politics (including, but not limited to death threats)- How he deals with the pressure he feels to get his stories right- Narrowing the gap between having the thought and taking...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Steve Ahlquist, practical matters]: Embracing the risks and rewards of working for yourself Ep 1281

July 20, 2026 • 26 mins

My guest this week is Steve Ahlquist, an independent reporter who practices what’s known as advocacy journalism. Steve has been covering politics and protest in the state of Rhode Island for well over a decade, first at the now-defunct blog RI Future, then at the news website he founded, UpriseRI, and now on his own Substack, Steve Ahlquist News.I first crossed paths with Steve at the RI State House in 2019, when I was testif...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Elisa Faison, what’s coming up]: Being open to all feedback–even the negative kind Ep 1280

July 10, 2026 • 16 mins

In this final installment of my interview with Elisa Faison, author of “Skin Contact,” a novel about the thrills and the unintended consequences of opening up your marriage, we’re getting a peek at where Elisa’s throughline is leading her next, plus hearing about what she’s currently reading, watching, listening to, and fantasizing about eating.We covered:- A sneak peek at the novel she just finished t...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Elisa Faison, inner stuff]: Getting through those moments of doubt Ep 1279

July 8, 2026 • 17 mins

This is part two of my interview with Elisa Faison, debut author of the brand new novel “Skin Contact,” a razor-sharp exploration of intimacy, non-monogamous desire, motherhood, and grief.We covered:- Honoring your own neurodiversity in your writing process- The plight of being an author who hates self-promotion on social media- How she lets those doubts out so she can keep going- Transitioning from the exploratory phas...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Elisa Faison, practical matters]: Cultivating the creative mindset Ep 1278

July 6, 2026 • 20 mins

My guest this week is Elisa Faison, debut author of Skin Contact, a bingeable, sexy, and poignant novel about a young couple who decide to open up their marriage. Elisa also won the 2024 Peden Prize for her story “Motherlove.”We covered:- Her storied past as an “OC” and Harry Potter fanfic writer- Touring through various writing adjacent jobs- The book she wrote that may never see the light of day- The writi...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Vanessa Lillie: What’s coming up]: When the rejection just keeps coming + a to-die-for scallop recipe Ep 1277

June 26, 2026 • 17 mins

Welcome back to the Finding the Throughline interview with Vanessa Lillie, whose bestselling books include "The Bone Thief," "Blood Sisters," "Little Voices”, and “For the Best.” Vanessa is also the co-author of the Young Rich Widows series and an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.This episode is a replay.We covered:- Why she’s so excited about Indigenous storytelling right now- Many recommendations fo...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Vanessa Lillie, inner stuff]: Getting clear on the stories you're meant to tell Ep 1276

June 24, 2026 • 18 mins

In part two of my conversation with bestselling crime fiction author Vanessa Lillie, whose books include "The Bone Thief," "Blood Sisters," "Little Voices”, and “For the Best,” we're breaking down all the mental hurdles that can get in the way of your writing, and how to overcome them, including:- Fighting erasure by weaving her family’s story into her books- The thrill of writing about your culture, and wor...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Vanessa Lillie, practical matters]: How to bust out of a lack mentality Ep 1275

June 22, 2026 • 30 mins

This week I’m talking with Vanessa Lillie, the bestselling author of numerous thrillers, including "The Bone Thief" (her most recent) and its prequel, "Blood Sisters," as well as “Little Voices,” and “For the Best." Vanessa is also the co-author of the Young Rich Widows series of fun 80s mystery romps.Vanessa is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma living on Narragansett land in Rhode Islan...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Philip Eil: What’s coming up]: Tackling clutter + how AI is spreading misinformation Ep 1274

June 12, 2026 • 18 mins

Welcome back to the final part of my interview with Philip Eil, an award-winning freelance journalist based in his hometown, Providence, Rhode Island and the author of “Prescription for Pain” and a work in progress about the history of the Wyatt Detention Facility, a maximum-security prison in Central Falls, Rhode Island.Today we’re going to get a glimpse at where Phil’s throughline is leading him next and e...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

[Phil Eil, inner stuff]: The power of writing about mental health challenges (especially as a man) Ep 1273

June 10, 2026 • 19 mins

Welcome to part two of my interview with Philip Eil, freelance investigative journalist and author of the book “Prescription for Pain: How a Once Promising Doctor Became the ‘Pill Mill Killer’” and a work in progress about the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, RI, otherwise known as the hometown of Viola Davis.Today we’re talking about the inner stuff involved in writing—the doubts, the ...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

The Breakfast Club

The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us

Finding the Throughline with Kate Hanley

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}[Deesha Philyaw: What’s coming up]: Giving yourself the support you need to take bigger swings with your work Ep 1292

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}[Deesha Philyaw, inner stuff]: The formula for caring less about other people’s reactions to your work Ep 1291

[Deesha Philyaw, practical matters]: Making the leap from writing as a hobby, to a way to pay the bills, to a major career Ep 1290

Six writers share how they get their writing done Ep 1289

Six writers share how they stay inspired Ep 1288

Producing creative work while holding down a day job Ep 1287

[Allegra Goodman: What’s coming up]: Encouraging your reader to think more deeply + a perfect snack Ep 1286

[Allegra Goodman, inner stuff]: Thinking of writing as being a performer “in the theater of the reader’s imagination” Ep 1285

[Allegra Goodman, Practical matters]: Why you only need to write 100 words a day Ep 1284

[Steve Ahlquist, what’s coming up]: When your popularity rises and falls depending on who’s president Ep 1283

[Steve Ahlquist, inner stuff]: When your work elicits death threats Ep 1282

[Steve Ahlquist, practical matters]: Embracing the risks and rewards of working for yourself Ep 1281

[Elisa Faison, what’s coming up]: Being open to all feedback–even the negative kind Ep 1280

[Elisa Faison, inner stuff]: Getting through those moments of doubt Ep 1279

[Elisa Faison, practical matters]: Cultivating the creative mindset Ep 1278

[Vanessa Lillie: What’s coming up]: When the rejection just keeps coming + a to-die-for scallop recipe Ep 1277

[Vanessa Lillie, inner stuff]: Getting clear on the stories you're meant to tell Ep 1276

[Vanessa Lillie, practical matters]: How to bust out of a lack mentality Ep 1275

[Philip Eil: What’s coming up]: Tackling clutter + how AI is spreading misinformation Ep 1274

[Phil Eil, inner stuff]: The power of writing about mental health challenges (especially as a man) Ep 1273

Popular Podcasts

[Deesha Philyaw: What’s coming up]: Giving yourself the support you need to take bigger swings with your work Ep 1292

[Deesha Philyaw, inner stuff]: The formula for caring less about other people’s reactions to your work Ep 1291