The Podcast, Ep 7: Want to get weird? You need structure my friend.
The nerdy pleasure of a really good guideline
Hi friends! Before we get into our new podcast episode, I wanted to tell you that WE HIT 10,000 DOWNLOADS! I am not an industry insider so I’m not sure how good that is, but it FEELS like a really big number for an indie podcast with just 6 episodes out. Thank you so so much for listening, for sharing with friends, and for rating the show. You’re WONDERFUL.
Ok, so let’s keep that party going:
Episode 7: Structure is Your Type A Friend
People get worried that too much structure will make their stories boring. But let me show you how the right framework can actually help you get weird! I’ll prove it with a story about how structure gave me the confidence to try something I never thought I’d do. Hint: this story has a tear-away skirt in it.
I loved doing this episode because I really do believe in story structure, and any chance I have to talk about it is a good day.
In June 2025, I told a version of this story on the Moth MainStage here in Portland, Maine. The host of the MainStage was my old friend and brilliant storyteller Peter Aguero, who was, in fact, the friend that originally invited me to do burlesque. Such a wonderful coincidence! And when we went to do sound check at the State Theater, Peter called me to the stage with my burlesque name, which he still remembered 13 years later:
“PROFESSOR TA-TA HONEYTUSH.”
Let’s go!!
This week’s prompt:
Find a framework that will make you feel secure. It could be the Story Spine, or an outline, or whatever template works for you. Then figure out how to innovate inside of that template.
Resources & Links:
Get the Story Spine template in the Story Letter Companion Workbook (free when you subscribe)
Jo Boobs’ Book: The Burlesque Handbook (fun fact, my brilliant editor at HarperOne, Rakesh Satyal, also edited this book!)
Get The Story Audit (a brand new offer from me!)
XO,
Micaela
Want more storytelling practice? My online, 6-week course, Your Story Out Loud, starts March 17th. It’s a small group with personalized feedback, and we’ll work on shaping your stories for memoir, performance, or essays. Just a few spots left. Join us!
