46. The writing process, wellness, and words that matter with Jonathan Seidler.
Ever wonder how personal experiences fuel creativity? On episode 46 of The B-side with James Barrow podcast, I catch up with Jonathan Seidler, an author, creative director, and music critic who brings a fresh perspective on culture and mental health. He’s written for The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, and has a column for Esquire that dives into men’s mental health and fatherhood. With a background at agencies like Leo Burnett and M&C Saatchi in Australia and London, Jonathan knows how to craft campaigns that resonate.
His memoir, It’s A Shame About Ray, got rave reviews and was even turned into a live performance at the Sydney Writers' Festival 2023. Plus, his debut novel, All the Beautiful Things You Love, is out now from Pan Macmillan.
We kick it off talking about Jonathan's background and how he went from studying law to find a home in the creative industry. He shares some personal stories about the people and experiences that shaped his creative journey, what fuels his creativity and how his diverse influences come together in his work. He also talks about his love for music (being an unashamed Nu-metal apologist) and how creative polymaths like Tyler, the Creator and Pharrell inspire him.
We jam on his creative process, exploring how he goes from a rough idea to a finished project using the 12 box method. Jonathan opens up about the emotional heart of his memoir, It’s A Shame About Ray, and why writing about his father's struggles with mental illness felt so important to him. Then we get into the inspiration behind All the Beautiful Things You Love. Jonathan reflects on the experiences he and his ex-partner went through after their breakup, including selling their shared belongings and the interesting characters he met along the way.
He also gives some great tips for beating creative block and staying inspired. Plus, he reflects on a piece of work he's particularly proud of and talks about how having diverse experiences and interests shapes his storytelling. And as we wrap up, he shares some solid advice for anyone looking to follow a similar path, along with his creative philosophy.
This was a fascinating conversation, full of insights that are both inspiring and practical. If you want to learn more about how personal experiences drive creativity and the value of diverse perspectives in storytelling, give it a listen. Cheers!