Best The Anatomy Nerd Podcasts (2025)

1
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: secrets of multi POV stories 37:50

8h ago37:50

37:50

This movie looks like an innocent little story about seniors who want to make the most of their golden years, but the craft behind it will knock your socks off. It's a multiple POV, multiple plot film and believe me, this is NOT an easy format to pull off. So if you're writing a story with more than one protagonist and/or more than one plot line, d…

1
Anatomy of a Fall: mind blown 28:56

6d ago28:56

28:56

Every-now-and-then we stumble across unassuming movies that blow our socks off. Anatomy of a Fall is one of these. There’s so much to love about this movie which is a masterclass in character, mystery, tension, and nearly every story telling principle we’ve discussed on the podcast. Of course, there’s a great deal to learn about progressive complic…

1
Episode 87 - Can You Grow New Cartilage? 10:15

12d ago10:15

10:15

In this episode, Dr. Kate Eckert explores the science of cartilage regeneration and how shockwave therapy is transforming joint care. She shares her experience using shockwave therapy to protect her hands from long-term damage and discusses the role of circulation in joint health. Dr. Eckert emphasizes the importance of proactive treatment for thos…

1
Shirley: when endings fail 41:16

16d ago41:16

41:16

I think the filmmakers had good intentions when they made SHIRLEY, unfortunately, they failed to stick to the essentials of storytelling. In this episode, Melanie does a fantastic job of illustrating what happens to a story when writers fail to create obstacles that progressively complicate the plot. (Progressive Complications are a big deal - you'…

1
Mother's Instinct: keeps you guessing 26:29

23d ago26:29

26:29

The antagonist owned the progressive complications in this movie. Celine shows her best friend Alice what a fate worse than death could be. Valerie explains how the Core Event is linked to its genre and why it’s important to understand the difference between the core event in an action, horror, or thriller. -M For access to writing templates and wo…

1
Episode 86 - What Does Dr. Kate Use Shockwave on Herself? 14:22

28d ago14:22

14:22

In this episode, Dr. Kate Eckert shares her personal journey with shockwave therapy, a powerful tool she uses for maintaining joint and muscle health and supporting injury recovery. With her hands-on profession, Dr. Eckert explains how she uses shockwave therapy to manage the strain on her hands, hips, and feet, preventing long-term damage. Tune in…

1
Greenbook: when society is the antagonist 22:28

30d ago22:28

22:28

If you're writing a character-driven story, or a story where society is the antagonist, or a story with broad societal issues, add Greenbook to your list of films to study. I know all about the controversy surrounding this film but our analysis this week is, as always, on the storytelling craft. And from a craft perspective, this movie does a whole…

1
Anyone But You: yeah nah 27:18

1M ago27:18

27:18

First of all I have to let you know that it’s a miracle that no podcasters were harmed during the making of this episode. Bloody hell! What have I done? The cringe factor in this movie is off the charts - it’s worse than getting “sand up your clacker” (if you’ve watched this movie, you’ll get the reference). However, the opening scene does provide …

1
Episode 85 - Why We Picked Focused over Radial Shockwave 11:01

1M ago11:01

11:01

In this episode, we dive into the science behind shockwave therapy, why I chose a specific type for my practice, and how it works to stimulate healing, increase blood flow, and promote long-term pain relief. If you’ve ever wondered about the different types of shockwave therapy and which one is the best for pain management and tissue repair, this e…

1
The Bank of Dave: def leppard steals the show 26:58

1M ago26:58

26:58

It's a brand new season and that means two brand new story theory principles to discuss! This time around, I'm studying the core event (aka a story's climax) and Melanie is studying progressive complications. The writers of THE BANK OF DAVE definitely poured some sugar on this genuinely sweet, feel-good movie. It's rock solid. As an added bonus, it…

1
Becoming a Bestselling Author, with Brian Proctor 36:52

2M ago36:52

36:52

In this special bonus episode, I interview Brian Proctor, a bestselling author in the field of personal development. This might seem like an odd fit for the show until you realize that it's not our talent or ability that holds us back as writers, it's our mindset. In this interview we discuss how to conquer procrastination, the truth about manifest…

1
Episode 84 - Shockwave in Pregnancy?? 8:28

2M ago8:28

8:28

In this episode, Dr. Kate Eckert breaks down the safety and effectiveness of shockwave therapy for pregnant patients. With extensive experience in prenatal, postpartum, and pelvic floor care, Dr. Kate shares which therapies are safe, which should be avoided, and how chiropractic care plays a vital role in pregnancy wellness. Key Highlights: Experti…

1
Pretty Woman: a masterclass in the fundamentals (archive) 46:16

2M ago46:16

46:16

While Melanie and I continue to beaver away in the background, we thought we'd pull PRETTY WOMAN from the archives for you. This movie is a fan favourite and here's the thing, it gets all the storytelling fundamentals exactly right. We can't wait to share our new project with you. Stay tuned for more! - V. For access to writing templates and worksh…

1
The Dry: an intro to outback noir (archive) 38:24

2M ago38:24

38:24

While Melanie and I cook up something extra special for you, we're highlighting some past episodes that you might have missed. THE DRY is an Outback Noir that we studied back in season 9. We talk about the environment as an antagonist, character archetypes, and a whole lot more. Check it out! - V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and…

1
Episode 83 - Can Kids do Shockwave and Laser? 7:44

2M ago7:44

7:44

In this episode, Dr. Kate Eckert explores how shockwave and laser therapy can be used safely and effectively for children. From sports injuries to stress-related headaches, these therapies provide a gentle, non-invasive alternative to traditional pain management. Learn how they help speed up healing, reduce inflammation, and keep kids active and he…

1
Whiplash: why the villain has a point (archive) 51:51

2M ago51:51

51:51

Behind the scenes, Melanie and I are cooking up something very special for you! While we work on that, for the next few weeks we'll be replaying some of our best episodes for you. This week it's WHIPLASH. This is one of my all-time favourites because it's an excellent example of every story principle (seriously). Enjoy! -V. For access to writing te…

1
What Went Right: paddington 24:08

3M ago24:08

24:08

What makes the Paddington franchise so popular with audiences? That's exactly what Melanie and I set out to discover as we take a deep dive into the first film in the trilogy in this brand new What Went Right episode. We look past the CGI and get straight to the heart of the story. -V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 7…

1
Episode 82 - Steroids or Shockwave? 10:58

3M ago10:58

10:58

In this episode, I dive deep into the benefits of shockwave and laser therapy compared to traditional pain management treatments like medications, steroid injections, and epidurals. If you've been struggling with chronic or acute pain, this episode will help you understand why these non-invasive therapies should be your first choice—not the last re…

1
What Went Wrong: green lantern 48:12

3M ago48:12

48:12

It's our second "what went wrong" episode and this time we're taking a deep dive into the 2011 film, GREEN LANTERN. Even Ryan Reynolds says this one is a dud, so where did the storytelling go wrong? Tune in to find out! -V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inne…

1
Our Best Advice: tension + 4SQ 17:56

3M ago17:56

17:56

That's a wrap on Season 13! Over the past eight episodes Melanie took a deep dive into one of the most important concepts in storytelling: tension. In this episode, she reviews the concepts of high and low tension, and highlights the principles you can use to create tension in your story. Meanwhile, I spent the season studying The 4 Story Questions…

1
Episode 81 - Biggest Frustration of 2025 8:19

3M ago8:19

8:19

In this episode,we dive into the evolution of chiropractic care and the groundbreaking therapies that are redefining joint pain treatment. From traditional approaches to revolutionary methods like laser decompression, shockwave, and vibration therapy, discover how these innovations are delivering results beyond imagination. Tune in to hear about th…

1
Sleepless in Seattle: relies on star power? 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

Valerie and I take a scalpel to some well loved movies this season. First there was the Nightmare Before Christmas and now Sleepless in Seattle. I’m not a believer in ‘magic love’ so I find the premise of the movie silly, but there are some good examples of tension. However, under the microscope of Valerie’s 4 Story Questions, this movie is lacking…

1
Gifted: nowhere to hide 33:40

4M ago33:40

33:40

Writers of quiet, character-driven or "literary" stories often ask me if all this story theory stuff applies to them, or if it's only for "commercial" fiction. Believe me when I say that it's even more important and in this episode of the podcast, I explain why. Meanwhile, Melanie conducted an experiment this week. She wanted to discover how knowin…

1
Episode 80 - 2024 Recap 13:15

4M ago13:15

13:15

Reflecting on Growth: A Recap of 2024 As we close out 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where we started and how far we’ve come. This episode dives into our year in review, the growth of our team, and the incredible strides we’ve made in serving our community. Key Highlights: A snapshot of our business at the start of 2024 and how it evolve…

1
The Secret of Roan Inish: sweet but weak 27:14

4M ago27:14

27:14

Frustration follows flaws! Can you create tension and conflict if the 4 Story questions haven’t been answered? The simple answer is “no”. I desperately wanted to love this movie because I’m writing a short story based on selkies. This is a sweet movie. It lacks some storytelling basics, which results in minimal tension and conflict. I know I’ve sai…

1
Judy: why object of desire is essential 30:33

4M ago30:33

30:33

Melanie and I talk about Object of Desire all the time and boy, oh boy, this movie really drives home why it's so important. The writers didn't go for the obvious choice here and it makes the movie, and the protagonist, so much more interesting because what Judy wants more than anything in the world is not to perform, but to be with her kids. In te…

1
Episode 79 - TMJ 6:09

4M ago6:09

6:09

In today’s episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. Drawing from years of experience and the latest advancements in therapy, I’ll discuss how TMJ affects the muscles we use for chewing, why clenching and grinding can worsen the problem, and how a multifaceted approach—using therapies like…

1
Crazy Stupid Love: passive tension? 33:01

4M ago33:01

33:01

I love it when Valerie and I study different theories and come to different conclusions about the movie. Crazy, Stupid, Love has great examples of slow/low tension and high/intense tension - it’s a great movie demonstrating how tension works. However, it doesn’t work so well when the 4 Story Questions are applied. Why? Because a multi-point-of-view…

1
Fatal Attraction: who's the villain? (archive) 39:30

4M ago39:30

39:30

In this archive episode, we revisit our study of FATAL ATTRACTION which first aired as episode 5 of season 7. I was studying character revelation and Melanie was studying worldbuilding, but what I find most fascinating about this movie is that, viewed through a modern lens, it's unclear who the antagonist really is. We'll be back next week with a b…

1
Episode 78 - Sprain Strain 4:31

5M ago4:31

4:31

In this episode, we delve into the powerful benefits of laser and shockwave therapy for treating various injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden sprain, a chronic issue, or a painful flare-up, these therapies can help speed up your recovery and get you back to doing what you love. We explain how each therapy works, when to use them, and how …

1
10 Things I Hate About You: what not to do (archive) 33:58

5M ago33:58

33:58

While I'm teaching my kids to surf during our summer beach holiday, and Valerie is shovelling out from a winter storm, we're bringing you a throwback episode from season 6 where we studied stakes and empathy. Based on Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", "10 Things I Hate About You" is packed with lessons about what not to do. We'll be back wit…

1
The Nightmare Before Christmas: razzle dazzle 32:28

5M ago32:28

32:28

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a favourite with both our families, and given that this is a Tim Burton film we expected that the storytelling would be rock solid. This is a great example of writers using the storytelling tools at their disposal to maximum effect. Ah, but since filmmakers have access to different tools than novelists, when you st…

1
Episode 77 - Perineal Tear Relief 4:21

5M ago4:21

4:21

Today’s episode, I discuss an innovative and gentle approach to postpartum recovery using laser therapy. In this episode, you'll learn: How laser therapy aids in healing perineal tears from grade 1 to grade 4. The benefits of starting laser therapy immediately postpartum, even before the six-week mark. Why laser therapy is a non-invasive, pain-free…

1
The Banshees of Inisherin: when the mc breaks bad 25:28

5M ago25:28

25:28

The tension starts with the title of this week’s movie - The Banshees of Inisherin. Banshees cry right before someone dies. That’s tension right there - who will it be? The anticipation about who is going to die is high because the outcome is unknown. Tension thrives with uncertainty. I also explore the idea of high and low tension in a story. Vale…

1
Calendar Girls: wait...it's over? 33:51

5M ago33:51

33:51

Welcome to a brand new season! This time around I'm studying the 4 Story Questions and Melanie is focused on tension. This week we're looking at CALENDAR GIRLS. We love these actresses (I mean, honestly, what's not to love?) but the storyline threw us for a loop because when it felt like it was coming to a natural conclusion, we realized there was …

1
BLACK FRIDAY - SAVE 89% 2:28

6M ago2:28

2:28

You want to get published, right? You want to see your book in bookstores, you want to hit a bestseller list, and maybe you want Reese Witherspoon to pick your book for her bookclub. Well, before any of that can happen you need an agent and an outstanding query letter is the key to getting one. That's why I developed my brand new course, THE ART OF…

1
Episode 76 - Knee Pain Relief 8:41

6M ago8:41

8:41

Welcome to today's episode where we explore the transformative potential of shockwave therapy and laser therapy in managing knee pain and degeneration. Whether you're dealing with arthritic knees, recovering from surgery, or struggling with a Baker's cyst, this episode provides insights into how these advanced therapies can help manage pain and pro…

1
What Went Wrong: the cold light of day 39:22

6M ago39:22

39:22

We're trying something new this week! Writers are constantly asking me and Melanie to explain why a story seems weird to them. So to help you understand why some stories flop, at the end of each season we'll pick a film that doesn't work and we'll try to figure out why. In this inaugural episode, Melanie chose IN THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY because it go…

1
Our Best Advice: writing exposition and creating character arcs 27:47

6M ago27:47

27:47

It's that time again! We've reached the end of the season and that means Melanie and I are wrapping up all our a-ha moments and lessons learned about writing exposition and creating character arcs. Plus we've got a special surprise coming for you and we talk about it in this episode to be sure to listen all the way to the end! - V. "The closer a sc…

1
Episode 75 - Plantar Fasciitis Relief 9:57

6M ago9:57

9:57

Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into advanced therapies for plantar fasciitis and pelvic floor health with Dr. Kate Eckert. Dr. Eckert brings years of experience and insight into how new therapies like shockwave, laser, and vibration therapy are transforming recovery for her patients. Today, we’ll discuss how these therapies work, what to…

1
Up in the Air: thiiiiin 19:09

6M ago19:09

19:09

Up In The Air, boring or not, is this week’s question. Why do I find this movie interesting, and why does Valerie find it boring? Could the answer lie in Ryan Bingam’s character arc (and does he have one)? Could it lie in the small amount of exposition? Or could it be that George Clooney movies are boring? One thing is certain: this episode is the …

1
All the President's Men: masterful exposition 43:06

6M ago43:06

43:06

This movie is almost entirely exposition, and while this isn't an approach I'd recommend for novelists, I can't imagine telling this particular story any other way. You might say that ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN is the exception that proves the rule. Master storyteller, William Goldman, pulls it off and that means there's a whole lot we can learn about…

1
Episode 74 - Sciatic Pain Relief 8:29

7M ago8:29

8:29

Welcome back to another episode with Dr. Kate Eckert, chiropractor at Form Function and Flow Lab, with offices in Oil City and Grove City, Pennsylvania. Today, we’re talking about a common condition: sciatica. I will guide you through what causes sciatic pain, how to identify its root cause, and the various treatments available, including shockwave…

1
Gone Baby Gone: writing a static protagonist 37:02

7M ago37:02

37:02

Most stories are about change. However, there is also a place for stories when the protagonist doesn’t change. The outcomes can still be positive - just watch James Bond and Erin Brockovich! There are also stories where the protagonist doesn’t change, and the outcome is ambiguous. This movie combines an ethical dilemma with a constant character to …

1
Little Miss Sunshine: who's the protagonist? 29:54

7M ago29:54

29:54

As Melanie and I prepared for this episode one question kept coming up ... Who is the protagonist? Melanie argues that the entire family is the protagonist, but I think that Olive (who is the Little Miss Sunshine contestant) is the protagonist. It's an interesting question and our discussion about it is even more interesting. If you're writing a mu…

1
Episode 73 - How Quickly Should Shockwave Work? 7:50

7M ago7:50

7:50

Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the world of shockwave therapy with Dr. Kate Eckert, a chiropractor with Form Function and Flow Lab. With offices in both Ole City and Grove City, Pennsylvania, Dr. Eckert brings her expertise in helping patients understand the benefits and mechanisms of shockwave therapy. Today, we'll uncover how this…

1
Far From Heaven: what your character doesn't want 27:45

7M ago27:45

27:45

This season, I am focused on stories with negative or neutral character arcs. Sometimes, finding out what a character doesn’t want is the first step to discovery. On the surface, Cathy Whitaker has a perfect life. However, it’s a shallow life. Cathy’s choices are symbolically represented by her husband, Frank, and her gardener, Raymond. The two mal…

1
I, Tonya: don't try this at home 30:55

7M ago30:55

30:55

Wowzers! I, TONYA is absolutely chock-full of exposition. It's a documentary-style film so at first blush it doesn't seem to offer up many story lessons for novelists. However, DAISY JONES & THE SIX is a documentary-style novel so this is an episode you might want to pay attention to — not just for their handling of exposition, but also for their p…

1
Dorian Gray: what mick jagger said 29:43

8M ago29:43

29:43

The Rolling Stone’s song ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want,’ is my earworm this season. This week, I started to pick apart how wants, needs and arcs are connected. Dorian Gray is a classic cautionary tale about selling your soul. Dorian arrives in London as a beautiful but naive young man and dies with a rotten and decrepit soul - he is unredeema…

1
The Social Network: pacing, pacing, pacing 29:06

8M ago29:06

29:06

It's a brand new season and this time Melanie is studying character arcs through 5 key questions: Where do the characters start, where do they finish, what do they want, what decisions do they make along the way that get them to the end, and do they get what they want or need? Meanwhile, I do a deep dive into exposition. You've heard about "show, d…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Anatomy Nerd Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide