Craig Rainey - Renaissance Man

Craig Rainey - Renaissance Man

Curious about the life of a modern writer? This podcast is perfect for both readers and writers alike. Join Craig Rainey as he shares his unique experiences, passions, and challenges from his diverse and exciting career as an author, film actor, and award-winning musician. Craig Rainey is the epitome of a modern Renaissance man. He's a published author and award-winning screenwriter, with over 60 film projects and movies under his belt. Beyond the screen, he's been a professional musician, studio producer, and owner of an artist image development company. He’s also a former working cowboy and a proud Army veteran. Tune in to explore the creative world from a true multi-talent. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/craig-rainey-renaissance-man--4734285/support.

Episodes

November 26, 2024 42 mins
Craig recounts his experinces in his everyfay life and in the arts. Are we really seeing the Death of Expertise?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/craig-rainey-renaissance-man--4734285/support.
Mark as Played
In this episode, Craig Rainey dives headfirst into the world of AI as he takes ChatGPT for a test drive. What starts as a curious exploration quickly turns into a jaw-dropping experience. Craig shares his insights on the astonishing capabilities of this cutting-edge technology and reflects on its potential impact—both exciting and a bit unsettling. From its impressive ability to generate human-like responses to the questions it rai...
Mark as Played
New movie, new book—what’s next? Could stand-up comedy be on the horizon? Spend a few minutes with Craig Rainey as he brings you up to speed on the monumental developments in his ever-evolving career. As an actor, author, and musician, Craig's life is full of exciting projects and creative ventures. In this episode, he shares the latest on his upcoming movie, his latest literary work, and whether he’s ready to step onto the comedy ...
Mark as Played
November 12, 2023 27 mins
Craig Rainey has been on fire this festival season, winning accolades in both acting and screenwriting. In this episode, he takes a moment to catch us up on his latest awards and the exciting progress he's making with HooDoo War and his newest Carson Brand novel. Tune in as Craig shares the behind-the-scenes stories from the festival circuit and updates on his upcoming creative projects.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://w...
Mark as Played
It's been a couple of years since Craig Rainey last appeared in a feature film, but he's back in action as a co-star in a western currently in production. In this episode, Craig shares exciting details about his return to the big screen and updates us on all the other projects this modern Renaissance man has in the works. From film to writing and more, find out what Craig’s been up to as he continues to make waves in the world of e...
Mark as Played
Craig Rainey has been hard at work on his latest two novels, with his newest release being a western based on one of the most infamous range wars in Texas history. In this episode, Craig talks about the inspiration behind his latest book, shares the excitement of being cast in yet another movie, and reflects on the standout moments from 2022. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative projects that have kept this Renaissa...
Mark as Played
Now that my 6th novel is officially published, I find myself dealing with unexpected creative withdrawals, including nightmares and a struggle to tap into my usual creative flow. In this episode, I’ll share what it’s been like coping with these challenges and how I plan to reignite my creativity and get back into the groove. Join me as I explore the highs and lows of post-publishing and the strategies I’m using to get the creative ...
Mark as Played
You format, you outline, you research, and you write—so how does all that effort lead to a half-finished book? In this episode, Craig Rainey delves into the common pitfalls that can derail even the most disciplined writers. He explores why projects sometimes stall halfway through, the mental and creative roadblocks that emerge, and the steps you can take to overcome them. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this ...
Mark as Played
October 27, 2022 31 mins
I’ve been experimenting with different strategies to attract new readers, and one thing is clear—the book cover is crucial. But how do you make sure it’s the right fit for your genre? In this episode, I’ll share the methods I’ve tested and the lessons I’ve learned about designing the perfect cover. From understanding genre conventions to capturing the essence of your story in a single image, I’ll dive into what makes a cover work a...
Mark as Played
Word count is a hot topic in the writing world, but what’s the real deal behind it? Does more always mean better, or is quality more important than quantity? In this episode, Craig Rainey shares his personal experience navigating the word count debate and how he found a useful balance between the two. Join Craig as he offers insight into how to approach word count without sacrificing the depth and quality of your work.

Become a supp...
Mark as Played
September 11, 2022 29 mins
I’ve finally finished the 3rd novel in my action thriller series. In this episode, I’ll explain the challenges that slowed me down and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. The good news?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/craig-rainey-renaissance-man--4734285/support.
Mark as Played
July 28, 2022 30 mins
Your villains need just as much care and attention as your heroes. After all, audiences love a well-crafted bad guy. In this episode, Craig Rainey breaks down what makes the perfect villain, sharing his thoughts on the traits, motivations, and complexities that make a great antagonist truly memorable. From flawed humanity to the dark charisma that draws readers in, Craig explores the essential elements that create a villain audienc...
Mark as Played
July 17, 2022 27 mins
Balancing a writing career with the demands of everyday life is no easy feat. In this episode, Craig Rainey shares his strategies for staying productive as a writer while juggling the responsibilities of work and life. From time management tips to maintaining creativity under pressure, Craig offers practical advice on how to keep your writing career moving forward without burning out.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www....
Mark as Played
Dialogue is one of the most challenging aspects of writing—it’s essential to get it right. In this episode, Craig Rainey reveals his methods for crafting riveting dialogue that pulls readers in and keeps them engaged. From capturing authentic voices to creating tension and pacing, Craig shares the techniques he uses to make conversations feel real and impactful in his stories.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker...
Mark as Played
June 8, 2022 27 mins
Craig Rainey shares essential tips for becoming a better writer, proving that you don’t need to be an English teacher to understand the rules of the writing craft. In this episode, he offers straightforward advice on mastering the basics, from structure and style to finding your voice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, these practical tips will help you navigate the writing road with confidence.

Bec...
Mark as Played
Craig Rainey dives into the world of colorful supporting characters and why they’re so essential to any story. In this episode, he explores the importance of these 'backing' characters, how they can add depth and richness to your plot, and what makes them truly memorable. From the creative process of developing them to their role in enhancing the main narrative, Craig shares his approach to crafting side characters that leave a las...
Mark as Played
Converting Stolen Valor into a screenplay was a learning experience for Craig Rainey, highlighting the subtle—and not so subtle—differences between writing a novel and writing for the screen. In this episode, Craig shares the challenges he faced, the key distinctions between the two formats, and the techniques he used to adapt his story for film. Whether you're a novelist looking to venture into screenwriting or simply curious abou...
Mark as Played
Craig Rainey delves into his writing process for the Carson Brand series, sharing how the storylines come together and what inspires his action-packed novels. However, even seasoned authors face challenges—Craig opens up about the 'plot block' he’s encountering with the third book in the series. In this episode, he discusses how he’s working through it and what it’s like to hit creative roadblocks, offering a behind-the-scenes look...
Mark as Played
After pouring his efforts into the wrong marketing strategies, Craig Rainey had to hit the reset button and start from scratch with his publishing marketing. In this episode, he shares the lessons learned from those missteps and the journey of rebuilding his approach. Tune in to hear about the challenges, frustrations, and ultimate breakthroughs Craig experienced while finding the right path for marketing his books.

Become a support...
Mark as Played
January 18, 2022 31 mins
Craig Rainey shares his thoughts on the popular Paramount TV series Yellowstone. While he acknowledges the show's potential and compelling premise, he believes it falls short due to focus group-driven writing. In this episode, Craig discusses what worked, what didn’t, and how creative decisions can be hampered when storytelling caters too much to audience feedback. Tune in for a fresh perspective on Yellowstone and the impact of fo...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    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 Burden

    The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.

    SmartLess

    "SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

    The Breakfast Club

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

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.