Best Keith Cornies Podcasts (2025)

1
The surprising history (and politics) of emoji, with Keith Houston 28:39

1h ago28:39

28:39

1096. This week, we look at the world of emoji with Keith Houston, author of "Face with Tears of Joy." He discusses the long history of emoji, from ancient origins to early computer character sets, and the formal process of proposing new emoji to the Unicode Consortium. We also look at how emoji can be blends of multiple characters and tell us more…

1
Is ‘sick’...good? What we think of posh language and class. Misunderseed 17:24

2d ago17:24

17:24

1095. Is “sick” really “good”? This week, we explore how words flip their meanings and why language changes over time. Then, we look at the 1950s idea of "U and Non-U English" and what it tells us about social climbing. The "sick" segment was written by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC…

1
The language of children’s storytelling, with Doug Fraser 19:40

7d ago19:40

19:40

1094. Have you ever wondered about the linguistic techniques behind popular children's podcasts? This week, we talk with Doug Fraser, also known as Dougie Pickles from the "Cozy Critters" podcast, who explains his strategic use of language to soothe and captivate kids. We also hear his insights on what makes successful children's content, including…

1
Why we drop sounds. ChatGPT is changing how people talk. Kombi 17:36

9d ago17:36

17:36

1093. Why do we say “prob’ly” instead of “probably”? This week, we look at elision in everyday speech. Then, we look at a wild study showing that the way people talk is being influenced by AI. The elision segment was by Susan K. Herman, a retired multidisciplined language analyst, editor, and instructor for the federal government. 🔗 Share your fami…

1
What your accent says about you (and your identity), with Rob Drummond 31:59

14d ago31:59

31:59

1092. Your accent may be saying more than your words. Sociolinguist Rob Drummond explains how accents shape our identities, how they differ across social classes, and why changing your accent can affect how you’re perceived. Rob Drummond - https://bsky.app/profile/robdrummond.bsky.social Rob's book, "You're All Talk" 🔗 Share your familect recording…

1
Are em dashes really a sign of AI writing? 'Caretaker' vs. 'caregiver' 17:04

16d ago17:04

17:04

1091. Is the em dash a sign of AI writing? I looked at where the idea comes from, and we have the final answer! Then, we look at the difference between "caregiver" and "caretaker." The "'caregiver" and "caretaker'" segment was written by Jim Norrena, MFA, who has been writing and editing for more than thirty-five years. He’s the founder of TypoSuct…

1
What your hands are saying (even when you’re not thinking about it), with Lauren Gawne 29:38

21d ago29:38

29:38

1090. Your hands may be saying more than your words. Lauren Gawne explains how gestures shape communication, how they differ across cultures, and why removing gestures can make your speech less fluent. Lauren Gawne → Superlinguo 🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat. 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses. 🔗 Subscribe to the news…

1
‘Further’ vs. ‘farther.’ Why designers use fake Latin. Blondie hot 16:03

23d ago16:03

16:03

1089. Do you wonder when you should use "further" or "farther"? We have the answer (where there is one). Then, you’ve seen lorem ipsum everywhere, but what does it mean? And where did it come from? The "lorem ipsum" segment was written by Jim Norrena, MFA, who has been writing and editing for more than thirty-five years. He’s the founder of TypoSuc…

1
What AI means for writers and editors, with Daniel Heuman 28:36

28d ago28:36

28:36

1088. He says he hates AI writing, but he's also the CEO of the company behind Draftsmith, an AI editing tool. Today, I talk with Daniel Heuman about editing, AI, energy use, and how tools like DraftSmith try to help without replacing human editors. Draftsmith → draftsmith.ai 🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat. 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn L…

1
'The' rules you never learned. Why did Latin die? 17:07

1M ago17:07

17:07

1087. You use the word "the" hundreds of times a day, but are you pronouncing it wrong? Today I have the rules I never learned about whether to say “thuh” or “thee.” Then, we look at why Latin died (and why "died" isn't quite the right way to describe it). The "Latin" segment is by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. In the late '90s, as a you…

1
The publishing world is changing. Jane Friedman tells us how. 26:45

1M ago26:45

26:45

1086. What does it really take to earn a living as a writer? Jane Friedman explains the multiple paths writers take — from speaking and consulting to newsletters and hybrid publishing—and offers grounded, practical advice for navigating the business of writing in 2025 and beyond. Jane Friedman is the author of "The Business of Being a Writer." 🔗 Sh…

1
Why 'plz' might be pushing people away. How to write better thank-you notes. Studaloo 18:43

1M ago18:43

18:43

1085. Do abbreviations like “plz” and “ty” actually make your texts feel less sincere? New research suggests they might. We explore how shortened words affect how your messages are received — even in romantic conversations. Then, we offer practical tips for writing thoughtful, specific thank-you notes that reflect real gratitude. The texting segmen…

1
Why simplified spelling nearly took over America (and why it didn't), with Gabe Henry 31:06

1M ago31:06

31:06

1084. This week, Gabe Henry talks about his new book, "Enough Is Enuf," and the long, strange quest to simplify English spelling. Learn why the "Chicago Tribune" made simplified spelling its house style for decades and why Roosevelt's attempt to make it law backfired. Find Gabe Henry at http://GabeHenry.com. 🔗 Use the code MACMIL for $50 off my Rag…

1
Why 'wake' is so confusing. The playful language of vacations. 18:20

1M ago18:20

18:20

1083. Is it "woke," "woken," or "waked"? We break down why the verb "wake" is one of the trickiest in English, with four competing forms and centuries of change. Then, we lighten things up with a look at vacation vocabulary—from "staycation" to "glamping." The "wake" segment was written by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Ge…

1
Ambrose Bierce, from ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ to disappearing in Mexico, with Jim Norrena 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

1082. Copy editor Jim Norrena joins us this week for a conversation about Ambrose Bierce, his famous "Devil's Dictionary," and his darkly funny take on the world. We look at Bierce’s fascinating (and tragic) life, his legendary wordplay, and his mysterious disappearance in Mexico. Plus, we share our favorite biting definitions and quirky facts abou…

1
Why 'epitome' is confusing. Quirky stories behind baby animal names. Alice doors 18:43

2M ago18:43

18:43

1081. Is an epitome a summary or a shining example? We look at why this word trips people up and how its meaning has changed over time. Then, we take a linguistic safari through the world of baby animal names—and what they tell us about language, culture, and human history. The "baby animal names" segment is by Karen Lunde, a career writer and edit…

1
How YouTubers' voices evolve, with Andrew Cheng 21:40

2M ago21:40

21:40

1080. Linguist Andrew Cheng explains why people’s accents shift over time, especially when they move—and how YouTubers make perfect data subjects. If you've ever cringed at your old voice recordings, this one’s for you. Andrew Cheng is a professor of linguistics at the University of Hawaii. You can find him on Bluesky at LinguistAndrew. NEW: Sign u…

1
What dictionary labels tell us about words. Why we say 'mama'. DU, STU, and LO. 17:00

2M ago17:00

17:00

1079. Ever wonder what labels like "informal," "archaic," or "offensive" mean in a dictionary entry? We explain how different dictionaries use labels to describe when, where, and how to use words. Then, we explore why so many babies say "dada" first and why babies say "mama" almost everywhere. The "dictionary labels" segment was written by Susan He…

1
The secret to writing ‘the same but different,’ with Mary Robinette Kowal 20:26

2M ago20:26

20:26

1078. Mary Robinette Kowal talks about going from writing magic-filled Regency romances to Hugo-nominated science fiction, what it's like to work with an agent, and how she keeps her career moving forward. Plus, she gave us three great book recommendations (and I've already read and loved one of them!). Find Mary at maryrobinettekowal.com. 🔗 Share …

1
'Lit' vs. 'lighted.' The mysteries of the dollar sign. Redd up. 19:04

2M ago19:04

19:04

1077. Is it “lit” or “lighted”? Both are correct, but we look at how their popularity has switched over time. Then we investigate four of the competing theories about the origin of the dollar sign and end with tips about how to use it. The "dollar sign" segment was written by Jim Norrena, MFA, who has been writing and editing for more than thirty-f…

1
Ghostwriters, book deals, and AI: What you didn’t know about publishing, with Dan Gerstein 22:44

2M ago22:44

22:44

1076. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, looks at how ghostwriting fiction really works, who’s hiring ghostwriters, and why AI can’t replace human storytelling. We also talked about how ghostwriters negotiate royalties, film rights, and what makes a great collaboration work. Find Dan at GothamGhostwriters.com. 🔗 Share your familect recor…

1
'I.e.' versus 'e.g.' What Shakespeare actually added to English. Four schnitzels. 18:01

2M ago18:01

18:01

1075. People often confuse "i.e." and "e.g." We'll help you get them right — no Latin required. Then, in honor of Shakespeare’s birthday, we look at five common myths about his contributions to the English language, including whether he coined thousands of words and how much Latin he actually knew. The "Shakespeare" segment was by Jonathan Culpeper…

1
AI and the future of dictionaries, with Erin McKean 26:02

3M ago26:02

26:02

1074. Is AI good enough to replace lexicographers? Wordnik founder Erin McKean shares what works, what doesn’t, and why the future of dictionaries is far from settled. Find Erin McKean at wordnik.com, dressaday.com, and [email protected]. 🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat. 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses. 🔗 Subscribe…

1
Better paragraph breaks. The story behind 'mad money' and 'pin money.' Bruce bad. 15:52

3M ago15:52

15:52

1073. Today, we have practical tips for writing better paragraphs (and it's not the formulaic topic-sentence structure). Then, we look at the surprising history of phrases like “mad money” and “pin money” and what they show about women’s roles and financial independence through time. The "paragraph" segment originally appeared on the OUP Blog, and …

1
The future of editing jobs in the age of AI, with Samantha Enslen 17:01

3M ago17:01

17:01

1072. Is AI coming for our jobs—or just the boring parts? This week, Samantha Enslen of Dragonfly Editorial talks about how she sees AI changing the work of writers and editors. We talked about real clients, real fears, and hope for the future. Plus, Samantha shares her favorite old-school fiction (spoiler: Agatha Christie strikes again!). Find Sam…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Keith Cornies Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Master Your Genius

Keith Cornies

1
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

QuickAndDirtyTips.com

1
The surprising history (and politics) of emoji, with Keith Houston 28:39

1
Is ‘sick’...good? What we think of posh language and class. Misunderseed 17:24

1
The language of children’s storytelling, with Doug Fraser 19:40

1
Why we drop sounds. ChatGPT is changing how people talk. Kombi 17:36

1
What your accent says about you (and your identity), with Rob Drummond 31:59

1
Are em dashes really a sign of AI writing? 'Caretaker' vs. 'caregiver' 17:04

1
What your hands are saying (even when you’re not thinking about it), with Lauren Gawne 29:38

1
‘Further’ vs. ‘farther.’ Why designers use fake Latin. Blondie hot 16:03

1
What AI means for writers and editors, with Daniel Heuman 28:36

1
'The' rules you never learned. Why did Latin die? 17:07

1
The publishing world is changing. Jane Friedman tells us how. 26:45

1
Why 'plz' might be pushing people away. How to write better thank-you notes. Studaloo 18:43

1
Why simplified spelling nearly took over America (and why it didn't), with Gabe Henry 31:06

1
Why 'wake' is so confusing. The playful language of vacations. 18:20

1
Ambrose Bierce, from ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ to disappearing in Mexico, with Jim Norrena 30:01

1
Why 'epitome' is confusing. Quirky stories behind baby animal names. Alice doors 18:43

1
How YouTubers' voices evolve, with Andrew Cheng 21:40

1
What dictionary labels tell us about words. Why we say 'mama'. DU, STU, and LO. 17:00

1
The secret to writing ‘the same but different,’ with Mary Robinette Kowal 20:26

1
'Lit' vs. 'lighted.' The mysteries of the dollar sign. Redd up. 19:04

1
Ghostwriters, book deals, and AI: What you didn’t know about publishing, with Dan Gerstein 22:44

1
'I.e.' versus 'e.g.' What Shakespeare actually added to English. Four schnitzels. 18:01

1
AI and the future of dictionaries, with Erin McKean 26:02

1
Better paragraph breaks. The story behind 'mad money' and 'pin money.' Bruce bad. 15:52

1
The future of editing jobs in the age of AI, with Samantha Enslen 17:01

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