S5-EP1: How to Be a Rockstar Screenwriter: David Silverman on ALF, Anxiety, and the Art of Resilience

Spirit Talk Show kicks off Season 5 with a special extended premiere featuring Emmy-winning television writer and licensed therapist David Silverman. From penning episodes of ALF, Newhart, The Wild Thornberrys, and South Park to guiding screenwriters through emotional burnout, David’s career is a testament to both creative brilliance and human depth.

In this unforgettable conversation, we dive into:

• What really went down behind the scenes of ALF

• How David accidentally received The Simpsons director’s paychecks

• Why rejection stings and how to survive it

• The truth about writing rooms, residuals, and rewriting under pressure

• And how a second act in psychotherapy made him a better storyteller — and mentor

We also discuss his must-read book How to Be a Rockstar Screenwriter, praised as “six stars” by Emmy winner Robert Illes and packed with hard-won advice for anyone who dreams of making screenwriting a career — or at least paying the bills.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran ready to pivot, this episode is your backstage pass to the craft, the chaos, and the care it takes to stay standing in Hollywood.