Best Stuart Wakefield Podcasts (2025)

1
Unlocking Your Writing Potential with a Book Coach 5:45

6d ago5:45

5:45

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll explore the concept of book coaching, address common misconceptions and highlight its benefits for writers at various stages of their journey. I'll discuss the role of a book coach, who can provide strategic support rather than just editing or ghostwriting. I'll also emphasise the importance of findin…

1
Writing Romance: Insights from Author Noël Stark 54:24

1M ago54:24

54:24

In this episode, I talk to novelist Noël Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to crafting her first romance novel, 'Love, Camera, Action'. We discuss the unique challenges of novel writing, the importance of character development, and the emotional landscapes that drive romance narratives. And Noël shares insights on the writing proc…

1
The Art of Tightening Your Narrative 19:52

2M ago19:52

19:52

In this episode, I'll look at the importance of precision in fiction writing, providing practical tips on tightening scenes, enhancing emotional depth, and avoiding unnecessary repetition. I'll cover techniques such as entering late and leaving early, replacing vague summaries with specific details, and using dialogue intentionally to reveal charac…

1
The Art of Historical Fiction: Lessons from Shara Moon 38:34

3M ago38:34

38:34

In this episode, Shara Moon discusses her new book 'Let Us March On', which tells the story of Lizzie McDuffie, an influential yet often overlooked figure in American history. Shara shares her journey of researching and writing the book, the challenges of balancing fact and fiction, and the importance of telling Lizzie's story in today's context. T…

1
Embracing Absurdity: The Power of Dumb Ideas 53:58

3M ago53:58

53:58

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dumbify founder David Carson, where we dive into the power of so-called “dumb” ideas—and why they might just be the secret to creative brilliance. We’ll explore how absurdity, humour, and playfulness can fuel innovation in storytelling, the mental models that help spot good dumb ideas, and how embracing t…

1
From Insurance to Filmmaking: A Journey of Storytelling Passion 52:59

4M ago52:59

52:59

In this conversation, filmmaker Christian Schu shares his journey from the insurance industry to becoming a self-taught filmmaker. He discusses the importance of embracing one's creative identity, the leap of faith required to pursue storytelling in any form, and the significance of storytelling in commercial projects. Christian emphasises understa…

1
Conquering the Final Stretch: Finishing Your Book 13:15

5M ago13:15

13:15

In this episode, we'll discuss the common struggles writers face when nearing the completion of their first draft. We'll address the pressures of perfectionism, fear of judgment, and loss of momentum, providing insights and strategies to help writers overcome these challenges, emphasising the importance of finishing a draft, the value of feedback, …

1
Why You Shouldn't Write a Book This Year (And That's Okay) 10:31

5M ago10:31

10:31

In this episode, we'll discusses the importance of self-kindness and the reasons why one might choose not to write a book in the current year. We'll emphasise the need to assess personal circumstances, motivations, and life priorities before committing to such a significant endeavour. By allowing oneself the grace to pause, writers can reduce stres…

1
The Psychology Behind Creative Distractions 8:27

6M ago8:27

8:27

In this episode, I explore the challenges of "shiny object syndrome", particularly in the context of creative projects. I share my personal experience of being drawn to a new play commission while nearing completion of my novella. I'll delve into the psychological aspects of creativity, the allure of new projects, and practical strategies to mainta…

1
The Art of Character Development 26:43

6M ago26:43

26:43

It was great to be interviewed by Sara Gentry about creating characters! We delve into the significance of character backstory in storytelling, distinguishing between world backstory and character backstory - and emphasising the importance of understanding a character's history to make them relatable and believable. We talk about how backstory infl…

1
Breaking Free from Beat Sheets with Jennie Nash 1:09:09

7M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

In this conversation, Jennie Nash and I delve into the intricacies of fiction writing, focusing on the Blueprint for a Book and the limitations of traditional beat sheets. We discuss the importance of understanding a writer's intent, the emotional connection with readers, and the role of creativity within constraints. Jennie shares her insights on …

1
The Four Pillars to Author Success with Emma Dhesi 1:07:50

8M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

In this conversation, Emma Dhesi and I explore the themes of personal growth, the Four Pillars to Author Success , and the importance of celebrating small wins. We discuss how clients evolve from feeling inexperienced to becoming peers in the coaching process, emphasising the significance of acknowledgment in personal development. Our conversation …

1
Wigan’s Grand Finale 30:17

8M ago30:17

30:17

Tanya Arnold, Kevin Brown, Andrew Henderson and John Kear reflect on a gripping Grand Final after Wigan defeated Hull KR 9-2. Victory meant the Warriors completed an incredible quadruple in 2024 and their CEO and former player, Kris Radlinski, joins the team to give an insight in to the preparations, celebrations and what now lies ahead for the mos…

1
Grand Final Preview 41:54

9M ago41:54

41:54

It’s Grand Final week with Wigan Warriors and Hull KR battling for the right to be crowned Super League Champions. Tanya Arnold is at Old Trafford to preview the biggest night of the Rugby League year. Wigan are looking to win the Grand Final for the 7th time, whilst Hull KR are playing in their very first Super League title decider. Head Coach Mat…

1
Finals Fortnight 49:34

9M ago49:34

49:34

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown look ahead to a crucial weekend of Super League action featuring the Women’s Grand Final in St Helens and the Semi-finals in the men’s competition. Zoe Harris of St Helens and York Valkyrie’s Kelsey Gentles join the podcast to talk about their preparations for the Women’s Final in which Saints will be looking to complet…

1
The Road to Old Trafford 38:49

9M ago38:49

38:49

It’s Play-off time in the 2024 Men’s Super League season and six teams are still standing in the race to be crowned Champions at the home of Manchester United. Tanya Arnold is at the official launch event to preview the upcoming series with representatives from all the teams involved. Salford coach Paul Rowley and his Leigh counterpart Adrian Lam l…

1
Crossing the Codes 50:16

9M ago50:16

50:16

As a player and coach Mike Ford has been involved at the very top level in both codes of Rugby and is currently the Managing Director of Oldham. He talks to Tanya Arnold about the recent revival at the club which has seen them promoted to the Championship, and reveals his vision for Rugby League in the town which prioritises pathways for junior pla…

1
Captain Kallum 47:14

10M ago47:14

47:14

Salford Red Devils captain Kallum Watkins joins the podcast as his team continue their quest to secure a place in the Super League play-offs. After losing two of their key players before the start of the campaign Salford have defied expectations this year and enter the final fortnight of the season in fourth place. Watkins reveals some of the secre…

1
Running the Rhinos 44:05

10M ago44:05

44:05

Leeds Rhinos’ Sporting Director Ian Blease joins the podcast to talk about his role at one of the biggest clubs in Rugby League. After an inconsistent season the Rhinos have three games left to secure a place in the play-offs and Blease discusses the decision to bring in Brad Arthur as Head Coach midway through the campaign. He talks about his shor…

1
The View from the Top 30:21

10M ago30:21

30:21

With four rounds to go until the Super League play-offs it’s Hull KR who lead the way at the top of the table and their captain Elliot Minchella joins the podcast to talk about the run-in. He discusses the secrets of their success in 2024, and how the players have benefited from the philosophies of Head Coach Willie Peters. Minchella reflects on hi…

1
Navigating the Challenges of Using Multiple POVs in Your Story 16:29

10M ago16:29

16:29

In this episode, I discusses the pros and cons of using multiple points of view (POVs) in writing. Point of view (POV) is the narrative perspective that guides the reader through the story. Multiple POVs can add depth and complexity to a story, but they also come with potential pitfalls. Pitfalls of multiple POVs include character chaos, plot compl…

1
How to Create a Realistic, Relatable Main Character for your Romance Novel 6:51

11M ago6:51

6:51

Creating a realistic and relatable main character is crucial for a good romance novel. This involves giving them a history, their own journey, a job, relationships with others, physical flaws, strength, failure, sexuality, and the spotlight. These elements help readers understand and bond with the main character, making the story more engaging and …

1
House of Elliott 42:49

11M ago42:49

42:49

Canberra Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead joins the podcast to talk about rugby league life in the Australian Capital and his move back to Super League at the end of the year. He reveals how a promise to Catalan Chairman Bernard Gausch will see him return to the south of France for one last season before he retires from the game and sets up a new …

1
The wolf in the pack 43:42

11M ago43:42

43:42

Warrington’s Lachlan Fitzgibbon joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to talk about his first year in Super League. The second row forward joined the Wolves from Newcastle in Australia for the start of the 2024 campaign and is widely considered to be one of the best signings of the season. He reveals how playing in the northern hemisphere has been a l…

1
Strategies to Maintain Your Motivation to Write 8:12

11M ago8:12

8:12

Do you feel stuck in a rut with your writing? Do you struggle to even sit down to write? Does the blank page seem to loom over you like a cloud, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, and heading for Netflix? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many writers experience this same struggle (me included). Whether you’re working on a novel or just tryi…

1
The talented Mr Charnley 38:36

12M ago38:36

38:36

In an emotional 5 live Rugby League Podcast, Tanya Arnold and former stand-off Kevin Brown are joined by Leigh flying winger Josh Charnley. The former England international opens up about the highs and lows of his stellar career, including the drive to become Super League’s record try-scorer, the joy of the Leopards recent Challenge Cup success, hi…

1
England’s winning weekend 34:39

12M ago34:39

34:39

Reflections on the victories for England’s Men and Women in the mid-season internationals against France. Author and journalist Steve Mascord was at both matches in Toulouse and shares some ideas about how to raise the profile of international Rugby League in the Northern Hemisphere. England men’s Assistant Coach Andy Last and debutant Elliot Minch…

1
The view from France 56:38

12M ago56:38

56:38

Toulouse Head Coach Sylvain Houles joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown. As the England men’s and women’s teams head across the channel for a weekend of international Rugby League they discuss the status of the sport in France and what the future holds for Toulouse under the new grading system for clubs. Houles reflects on the challenges of Toulouse’…

1
Hall’s record haul and England’s calendar confirmed 29:43

1y ago29:43

29:43

Matt Newsum is joined by Hull KR winger Ryan Hall and England Head Coach Shaun Wane. Hall crossed for his 248th Super League try last week and is now the leading try-scorer in the competition’s history. He reflects on the relief of reaching the milestone and picks out some of his favourite scores from his record-breaking tally. Shaun Wane looks ahe…

1
Life Editing for Writers With Elisabeth Sharp McKetta 49:34

1y ago49:34

49:34

In this episode, I’ll be talking to author and teacher Elisabeth Sharp McKetta. Elisabeth is the author of 13 books, including “She Never Told Me About the Ocean," "Ark," and "Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention in a Messy World.” We’ll delve into the importance of creativity, mental health, and the practice of writing, but Elisabe…

1
Wembley Winners! 34:53

1y ago34:53

34:53

Wigan winger Liam Marshall joins Matt Newsum and Kevin Brown to discuss the Warriors success in the 2024 Challenge Cup Final. Their victory at Wembley means they now hold all four trophies available to them, with the Super League title, League Leaders Shield and World Club Challenge already residing in the Wigan trophy cabinet. We hear about the Wa…

1
Remembering Rob in Wembley Week 42:52

1y ago42:52

42:52

Former team-mate Sam Burgess and Daryl Powell, the coach who gave Rob Burrow his first start in Super League, lead tributes to the Leeds Rhinos Legend who died on Sunday. They reflect on his amazing achievements as a player and his drive to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease after his diagnosis in December 2019. The Wigan coach Matt Peet desc…

1
Daryl Powell : Wakefield, Wolves and water 46:26

1y ago46:26

46:26

Daryl Powell joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to talk about Rugby League life with Wakefield Trinity and the ups and downs of his coaching career. Powell has guided Wakefield to Wembley, where they will play in the 1895 Cup Final in June and to the top of the Championship table after nine wins from nine matches at the start of the season. With si…

1
League in London 54:46

1y ago54:46

54:46

London Broncos Head Coach Mike Eccles joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to talk about Rugby League life in the capital. The Broncos were promoted to Super League for 2024 but under the current grading system won’t have a place in the elite competition next year. Eccles outlines the challenges the club faces and his reasons why the Broncos should b…

1
Amplifying Emotions: A Conversation with Becca Puglisi 57:24

1y ago57:24

57:24

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I sit down with the remarkable Becca Puglisi, co-author of the bestselling series from Writers Helping Writers. Join us as Becca takes us on a journey from the inception of the first book to the expansion of the series, sharing invaluable insights into the art of character development along the way. Discov…

1
The Whistle Blower 49:50

1y ago49:50

49:50

Phil Bentham, who was recently appointed as the RFL's new Head of Referees joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to discuss the current issues around officiating in Rugby League. He reveals his priorities as he settles into his new role and talks about his previous experience working with the VAR team in Premier League football. He discusses some idea…

1
The Jonny Lomax Story 1:00:10

1y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

St Helens Captain Jonny Lomax joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown for a rare interview about his remarkable life. Widely regarded as the one of the best players in Super League, Lomax talks in great detail about the life-threatening brain injury he suffered on the field at the age of 14, and how the support of his family helped him through. He descr…

1
Crafting the Perfect Paragraph: A Guide 11:49

1y ago11:49

11:49

Unlock the secrets of writing compelling paragraphs that captivate your readers! In this episode post, you'll learn how to create vivid imagery, build emotional resonance, and master pacing for maximum impact. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or refining your craft, discover practical tips and exercises to elevate your storytelling…

1
Tiger Talk 45:24

1y ago45:24

45:24

Craig Lingard joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to chat about his role as the Head Coach of Castleford Tigers. He reveals how his life has changed since becoming a full time Head Coach in Super League, and discusses his previous occupation as a prison officer. Lingard talks about the issues facing Castleford and the sport of Rugby League in genera…

1
Crafting the Perfect Sentence: A Guide 12:04

1y ago12:04

12:04

As creative writers, each sentence we craft serves our story. But how do we elevate our writing from good to unforgettable? It all starts with mastering the art of sentence construction. This episode dives into the essentials of crafting powerful, impactful sentences. Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or looking to refine your skil…

1
Dynamic Dufty 29:51

1y ago29:51

29:51

Warrington Wolves Full Back Matt Dufty joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to discuss his terrific start to the season. He reveals why Head Coach Sam Burgess has been exactly what the Wolves needed to turn their form around, and talks about developing his skills playing touch-rugby alongside Wigan’s Jai Field and Huddersfield’s Adam Clune. Dufty was…

1
Welfare and Wembley 40:32

1y ago40:32

40:32

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown are joined by former Hull FC Captain Gareth Ellis and former Scotland Head Coach Steve McCormack to discuss their current roles with Rugby League Cares, an organisation which provides off-field support and advice for players, coaches and officials within the sport. They talk about how the approach to player-welfare has …

1
Misconceptions Writers Have (And How a Book Coach Can Help) 28:45

1y ago28:45

28:45

In this episode, we plunge headfirst into the tumultuous world of writing myths and the harsh self-criticisms that writers often battle. Why do writers sabotage their own success? Is it easier to believe in fallacies than to face the hard truths? We're dissecting these questions and more! We’ll unravel common misconceptions about the writing proces…

1
Willie Peters: a coaching journey 40:24

1y ago40:24

40:24

Ahead of the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Willie Peters joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to relate his rugby league journey from Sydney to Humberside via Gateshead and Wigan. He talks about the culture he’s trying to create in East Hull, the progress being made on and off the field, the growth of players li…

1
Helping Handley 31:02

1+ y ago31:02

31:02

Super League’s leading try-scorer Ash Handley joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to talk about his flying start to the 2024 campaign and the secrets to his success so far this season. The Leeds Rhinos winger has scored seven tries in the opening five rounds of the competition and reveals how he was inspired by Basketball legend Michael Jordan to vi…

1
The Art of Character Backstory 34:01

1+ y ago34:01

34:01

📚 Unlock the Secrets of Compelling Character Backstories! 📚 Crafting captivating characters is the cornerstone of great storytelling. Dive into the art of character development in this latest episode! Learn how to infuse depth and authenticity into your narratives by mastering the art of crafting compelling backstories. Discover techniques to seaml…

1
Interview: Margaret McNellis, historical fiction writer. 1:11:36

1+ y ago1:11:36

1:11:36

In this episode, I'm delighted to be interviewing Margaret McNellis, a historical fiction writer with whom I've had the pleasure of working on two of her books: Daughter of the Seven Hills (due for publication on 21st May 2024) and Hearts of Iron & Gold. We talk about all things historical fiction, from the challenges of research to wearing funny h…

1
Traveller’s tales with Jordan Abdull 30:40

1+ y ago30:40

30:40

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown are joined by Catalans Dragons half-back Jordan Abdull to discuss life as a Rugby League player in the South of France and how he is adapting to his new surroundings. Considered to be one of the finest play-makers in the competition, Abdull was surprisingly allowed to leave Hull KR during the winter and is spending the …

1
The rules of the game and the rulers of the world 40:14

1+ y ago40:14

40:14

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown are joined by the RFL’s Director of Operations Robert Hicks to discuss the controversial sending-off of Hull FC’s Fa’amanu Brown and the governing body’s subsequent decision to amend the rules of the game. As the sport continues it’s drive to protect players from brain injuries they debate the issues that have arisen in…

1
Battle of the Planet 29:55

1+ y ago29:55

29:55

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown are joined by some special guests to preview the World Club Challenge match between the Super League Champions Wigan Warriors and the best team from Australia, the Penrith Panthers. The winners will earn the right to be called World Club Champions. Wigan Head Coach Matt Peet offers an insight into their preparations for…

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