Shows
Are Both True?humor is not about being the funniest person in the room?!!?I spoke yesterday with the hilarious genius Chris Duffy about his book, HUMOR ME, which comes out on January 6th (no relation). I loved the book and strongly urge / gently demand that you pre-order it now, ahead of the release, because that matters a lot when it comes to best seller lists which HUMOR ME definitely deserves to be on.Chris has long been a friend and loyal BAThead that readers may remember from this essay: "love myself? knowing what i know?”. He’s also the writer of Bright Spots and the host of the TED...
2026-01-0252 min
HapitalistBreak your biggest blocks: Craft Con highlight reel* Listen/subscribe on Apple* Listen/subscribe on Spotify* Listen/subscribe on Pocketcasts* Listen/subscribe on YoutubeThis week, I’m bringing you sneak peek into Craft Con, a free two-day virtual summit I’m hosting with my friends at Plotdrive happening Thursday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Nov. 21.Craft Con is all about helping authors break through their biggest creative blocks whether you’re stuck in the middle of your novel, struggling to start a story you’ve been dreaming about, or just feeling totally burnt out as the year winds down.
2025-11-2016 min
Are Both True?hello, i love you, won't you pick up your phone??? (with audio of me reading it)hey you great big snufalufs! i wrote this essay a couple years ago. here it is again, now with AUDIO of my reading it which you can listen to. I did it all in one take and may have gotten very emotional at the end of it so if you wanna listen to that, have at it. if you want to cowrite with other weirdos for accountability, camaraderie and all around good time cheer, there are BATWRITEs today at 330pm est (starting 30 min earlier than originally planned) and Thursday at 10am est. Would love to see you...
2025-07-2914 min
Are Both True?a quick yet shockingly important video message about today's batwrite that will move you EVEN IF you don't attend the batwrite at all ("wow")This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit botharetrue.substack.comHi and hello!! today’s batwrite is going to be so fun you may pee your pants. It’s a cowriting session, silly! I’ll see you there. link is below the “fold” lol like this is a newspaper or something
2025-06-2602 min
The Computer RoomCall-In Show #7: Ghost in the MachineI’m Katherine Dee. I read in an industry newsletter that I should re-introduce myself in every post. I’m an Internet ethnographer and reporter. This newsletter is filled with interviews, takes on current events, a sporadic advice column, Craigslist-style missed connections, Internet culture explainers, streams, a book club, predictions and forecasts… There’s a lot of stuff. I also spend maybe 20 hours a week talking to people about how they use the Internet. Consider chipping in $2 for my efforts:Alright — I did NOT edit last night’s call-in show with Taylor McMahon and Alex Dobrenko`. I’m just biting...
2025-05-231h 39
SMEC: CURRENTS015 - Your newsletter isn't your permanent addressPut something new on your website, and link it in your next newsletter. Your newsletter isn’t your permanent address, it’s a delivery vehicle. Build an archive of work on your website and link to your stuff from your newsletter!Oh, and this is the Alex Dobrenko` interview where his guest Isabel Cowles Murphy talks about someone else who says writing is your legacy.https://botharetrue.substack.com/p/how-to-write-about-the-vulnerable
2025-05-0203 min
Are Both True?how to write about the vulnerable stuff your family doesn't know about (and other fun easy topics haha!)This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit botharetrue.substack.comBefore I get into the video, first off THANK YOU to all of the amazing people who have joined the BATCAVE!!! Seeing actual people, a lot of whom I know and admire and respect, joining this little community and saying kind things like: Well that melts me faster than chocolate on smores night. If you’re interested in joining the BATCAVE, click here. Wait,…
2025-05-0106 min
HapitalistLeading When You Feel Lost: Building Connection in a Weird World* Listen/subscribe on Apple* Listen/subscribe on Spotify* Listen/subscribe on Pocketcasts* Listen/subscribe on YoutubeIn this funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep conversation, Russell Nohelty and Alex Dobrenko talk about what it really means to lead an audience today — especially when you feel like you have no idea what you're doing.They explore the myth of the "ready leader," the reality of connecting with audiences in chaotic times, and why being human and honest beats being polished and perfect.This episode is for anyone building a cr...
2025-04-091h 25
Are Both True?HOW DO I BECOME A SUPERSTAR AND LIFE AS A SUBSTACK WHISPERER GROWTH GENIUSThank you Isabel Cowles Murphy, olivia rafferty, Philip Traylen, Claudia Befu, Katrina Donham, and many others for tuning into my live video with Erin Shetron! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit botharetrue.substack.com/subscribe
2025-04-011h 02
Are Both True?BETH SPENCER will draw my face also we will maybe do some improv, I haven’t told Beth about that yet lolThank you Amanda B. Hinton, Amy Gabrielle, Nikita Petrov, B.A. Lampman, Michelle Elisabeth Varghese, and many others for tuning into my live video with David Lee Hess and Beth Spencer! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit botharetrue.substack.com/subscribe
2025-03-2557 min
Are Both True?How to quit social media without quitting the internetLooooove me some time with Seth Werkheiser of SOCIAL MEDIA ESCAPE CLUB !! Topics discussed during our chat include: * How Seth’s a Main St. guy in Kutztown PA* A neighbor and her pig * The challenges of leaving tech platforms and ecosystems like Google* Substack’s evolution toward becoming more of a social media platform* Numbers anxiety!! * The myth of "being discovered" versus actively reaching out for opportunities* Why direct connection with fans beats social media every time * Finding contentment with current circumstances rather than...
2025-03-251h 12
Are Both True?Shame, perfectionism, doubt and the many other gifts of adhdJesse J. Anderson writes Extra Focus • ADHD Newsletter, a weekly ADHD newsletter with over 60k subscribers and authored a book with the same name. His work offers practical strategies for ADHD brains from someone diagnosed as an adult.Highlights from our convo include: * We were both diagnosed with ADHD as adults, still sometimes doubt it* Jesse described the "backpack of shame" * Parents who think ADHD is made up (hi mom & dad!)* Jesse has THREE kids with ADHD!!! * BREAKING NEWS: Jesse's next book is about perfectionism. He will pr...
2025-03-2153 min
Are Both True?this recording will either save my career or end it (both are true)This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit botharetrue.substack.comHoly s**t, that got real. If you weren’t one of the 1.3 million live attendees, don’t worry — here’s a full recording for ya. Topics include but are not limited to: * the story behind my going part time at Sublime * feeling lost with Both Are True * confessed that my posts aren't doing the numbers they used to (embarrassing but also true) * a thermometer I just…
2025-03-1927 min
Are Both True?Influencers are OUT, words are IN, and tbd on 'lolcows' which i'm just now learning aboutThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit botharetrue.substack.comI had Katherine Dee, the writer of default.blog on a stream yesterday and it was great. We basically just hung out and talked about being weird online people. Some stuff that came up:* We both admitted that having kids, turning 30, and other life milestones did nothing to cure our need for internet attention. If anything, it got worse.* Katherine introduced me to "lolcows" - people…
2025-03-1217 min
Are Both True?Two Russians Walk Into a Substack LiveMy convo with Nikita Petrov , writer of the amazing Psychopolitica, started with us both trying to figure out what the hell Substack live even was. Our best guess: a chance meeting in the digital kitchen of Substack, where we talked about everything from our creative struggles to emotional labor in relationships to Nikita and his partner leaving Russia when the war started.On Ideas That Don't Want to Be KnownWe spent time circling around the mystery of creative work—how good ideas seem to run away when you try to capture them. ...
2025-03-0557 min
Are Both True?Stop being a philistine and read some good booksWhen I asked Henry Oliver if I could be the next Shakespeare, he said "maybe." Maybe! Not no! So…I’m basically Shakespeare.Hark! Classic Shakespeare stuff right there. Honestly, that’s all I remember from the convo but I fed the transcript into AI and it turned out we talked about a lot of other stuff too: * the difference between taste and preference (they're not the same thing, ya bozos)* Why Henry thinks most people avoid reading classics* Shakespeare's ability to mix high art with p...
2025-02-251h 02
Are Both True?Gaza, God, and turning toward the hard stuff without needing to solve itNoha asked me not to swear during this because her kids might watch. Not only did I swear, I also told her to tell her kids that I was the Mr. Beast of Substack for some reason. But besides those two ERRORS on my part, the conversation was genuinely so good. You can watch / listen here on Substack OR on your podcast app by clicking here.Topics covered include:* our shared anxiety and the weird pressure to be perfect, even when no one’s asking us to be.* how Ar...
2025-02-231h 03
Are Both True?they begged me not to publish this This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit botharetrue.substack.com/subscribe
2025-02-2007 min
Social Media Escape ClubDitching algorithms and seeking connection with Alex DobrenkoWe covered a lot on this nearly hour and a half chat, including, but certainly not limited to:Owning your work and backing it up.Why waiting to be "discovered" is a flawed.How email and direct outreach beat relying on social media algorithms.Focusing on conversations and connections instead of chasing numbers.https://botharetrue.substack.com/
2025-02-121h 20
Are Both True?Talking comedy with God (David Javerbaum who is “tv royalty” according to Arthur from Substack)Thank you Caroline Cala Donofrio, Mike Sowden, Amy Gabrielle, Lyle McKeany, Sanjiv Bhattacharya, and many others for tuning into my live video with TheTweetOfGod! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit botharetrue.substack.com/subscribe
2025-02-0148 min
Common ShapesCreative Energy Outside of InstagramDear listener,Welcome to our last episode of Common Shapes for the year! We will return with new episodes every Wednesday starting January 8In today’s episode I share a series of practices, systems, and rituals I am doing in place of using Instagram.Make sure you grab the free Creative Ideation Portal : A three day email guide to help you vision your projects and put them out into the world.ALL MY GUIDES :Creative Ideation PortalWeaving in Our Values ToolkitNote Taking Tools + Po...
2024-12-2323 min
The Creator Spotlight PodcastEp. 35: Being an idiot will make you a better writer ft. Alex DobrenkoThis week Francis is joined by Alex Dobrenko, a comedian and writer of the newsletter Both Are True. Both Are True: https://botharetrue.substack.com Alex's Twitter/X: https://x.com/dobrenkz 00:00 Intro 01:23 The Journey to Comedy and Writing 08:20 Writing Style and Honesty 15:02 The Role of Improv Comedy in Creativity 22:07 The Growth of an Audience 30:26 Professionalization of Content Creation and "Selling Out" 38:57 Whoa: Exploring Deeper Conversations through Interviews 45:37 Navigating the Solitary Nature of Creation 49:15 The Evolution of...
2024-11-1459 min
Are Both True?me saying the titular line in the film Holes (2003) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit botharetrue.substack.com/subscribe
2024-09-1700 min
Are Both True?Alex Dobrenko SAVES the Sublime website (BRAVE)If this ain’t an ad for Sublime , idk what is. www.sublime.appa website that works This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit botharetrue.substack.com/subscribe
2024-07-3107 min
Write More with Simon K JonesDesigning your newsletter's About pageIn the video I guide you through how to make your publication feel like yours and make sense to your audience:* Choosing a name* Writing your short description* Setting your square image, cover image and wordmark* Structuring and writing your About pageUpdate: I’ve removed the paywall and made this video free to watch. Paywalls make me feel a bit icky. Enjoy!Oh, and thank you to Mike Sowden, Alex Dobrenko`, Kelly Thompson and Nishant Jain for providing inspiration through their varied and excellent work. 👍...
2024-03-0415 min
Cream of The Crop PodcastMy tuppence worth on smartphone [over] usage in modern societySLART Note: This post is also part of the Soaring Twenties newsletter. A magnificent group of writers, artists and flaneurs who are committed to putting their best work out into the world. It didn’t occur to me to share my thoughts on the topic of mobile phone addiction before now. I mean, what hasn’t been said about it? We all know it’s a problem but don’t know how to transform those ingrained usage habits. Alex Dobrenko` and Thomas J Bevan changed my view on how the tides are turning, so I’d like to share m...
2023-12-0911 min
Are Both True?Aren't all parents competitive???Rae Katx and I talk every Friday.We say it’s to give writing feedback but it’s mostly just an excuse to hang and catch up.Interesting, how connecting with one of your best friends at such a frequency only seems possible — allowed, even — under the auspices of ‘work.’This fact seems somehow a perfect segue to the conversation we had last week.To jump straight in and listen to the audio or watch on video, click here.When overachievers have kidsWe decided to record this convo a...
2023-10-2731 min
Are Both True?The self is a gut-hole - the first podcast ever madeHello, how are you and, if I may be so bold — what’s this? We’ve got BREAKING NEWS that former Radioshack employee and current media mogul Alex Dobrenko has just dropped a public episode of his new podcast Are Both True? onto the internet.*puts finger up to ear and listens really close* Yes, I am being told that the audio has been sent directly to us at Both Are True (no affiliation) with a little note that says “play this on the air.”Well now THIS is something new, isn’t it Ron?
2023-10-1906 min
Are Both True?introducing: are both true? (a podcast-ish podcast)This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit botharetrue.substack.comAs you all know, I have been recording silly little audios of BTS for Season One of BAT. Well, the other day ONE single BATfan told me she didn’t love listening to it via her email. It stressed her out. And since I am really good at reading the room and making sound judgements based on a lot of different opinions, I decided i’ll MAKE IT A PODCAST. So he…
2023-10-1302 min
Kurt Vonnegut Radio with Gabe Hudson30. Alex DobrenkoAlex Dobrenko is a writer, comedian, and actor. He writes humorous and vulnerable personal essays on his hugely popular Substack, Both Are True. Alex writes about his life as a new father and being a sorta hopeful Millennial in a dying empire. His work is hilarious, but it’s also shot through with real grace and vulnerability. He’s like a millennial David Sedaris, or Larry David. Gabe talks to Alex about how he uses techniques from improv, stand-up comedy, and acting to write his beloved Substack.Subscribe to Alex Dobrenko`’s Substack Both Are TrueRead A...
2023-09-0827 min
Kurt Vonnegut Radio with Gabe HudsonAlex DobrenkoAlex Dobrenko is a writer, comedian, and actor. He writes humorous and vulnerable personal essays on his hugely popular Substack, Both Are True. Alex writes about his life as a new father and being a sorta hopeful Millennial in a dying empire. His work is hilarious, but it’s also shot through with real grace and vulnerability. He’s like a millennial David Sedaris, or Larry David. Gabe talks to Alex about how he uses techniques from improv, stand-up comedy, and acting to write his beloved Substack.Subscribe to Alex Dobrenko`’s Substack Both Are TrueRead A...
2023-09-0800 min
Memoir SnobEpisode 27: Alex DobrenkoThis dude is funny.
Subscribe to Alex's newsletter if you haven't already. Make sure you upgrade to paid because he really needs the money.
2023-07-281h 04
The Un-Diplomatic PodcastRed-Brown Alliances Suck, Singapore's Post-American Asia, War as the Enemy of Progress, Military-Climate Change Tradeoff | Ep. 117What Singapore's Prime Minister has to say about post-primacy Asia. The global peace dividend initiative. War as the enemy of progress. The problem with securitizing the climate crisis. MAGA militarism and the problem of red-brown alliances. Why there is no economic equality without political equality. The Un-Diplomatic Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_42j11ZVmlF5jVbqdVcdogGlobal Peace Dividend Initiative: https://peace-dividend.orgTobita Chow and Ben Lorber on MAGA militarism: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/carlson-russia-nationalism-far-right/Matt Duss Tweet: https://twitter.com/mattduss/status/1511310386636771335C...
2022-04-221h 11
Comedy Convos with AmbiAlex DobrenkoAlex Dobrenko is a writer, producer, improviser, and actor in Los Angeles, CA. His latest series DISTANCE, a much watch, was nominated for the 2018 Gotham Award: Breakthrough Shortform Series, was born in Ukraine, and moved to America when he was seven.
2021-04-1230 min
Calendar Alert!Cottage Cheese with Alex DobrenkoLet's drill into tactical execution of our goals! In this week's episode, the guys explore the unfortunate reality of layoffs and how different corporate cultures handle this difficult part of the business world. Later, they welcome their esteemed guest Alex Dobrenko to talk about time, scientific thought experiments, and the passion that drives business.
2021-02-1241 min
We Pod A ZooEpisode 13: Alex Dobrenko's Therapy Session w/ Alex DobrenkoActor and comedian Alex Dobrenko joins us today to talk about his relationship with We Bought A Zoo (2011), fatherhood, families, and life. In an episode that rapidly evolves into deeper conversations on what it means to learn from your parents without becoming them, and how to prepare for your first child, Alex maps the anxieties of Benjamin's parenthood onto his own experiences. What is selfish as a parent? What does “buying a zoo” mean in real life? What should Alex name his son? This is truly a We Pod A Zoo unlike any other.You can find Alex...
2021-02-111h 03
Middle Class Film ClassMCFC Episode 70 - The Passion of the Christ (2004)The gang goes the church this week, as they review The Passion of the Christ (2004), Mel Gibson's ultra violent retelling of the last 12 hours of Jesus' life. A Tyler episode this week, so the movie on Pluto TV, and listen to us endure this iconic religious drama. Adam Murphy joins us for an Adam's Plop, and we talk 2020 releases. In Gab & Chatter: Tammy and the T-rex, Verotika, blasphemy, Spontaneous, Katherine Langford, Charlie Plummer, Wolf of Snow Hollow, Thunder Road, Jim Cummings, Riki Lindhome, Robert Forster, Jimmy Tatro, Bryan Casserly, American Vandal. Hereditary, Matrix Revolutions, Matrix Reloaded, Relic, E...
2021-01-062h 08
In The Eyes of TerrorEp93: Lumberjack Man (2015)Merch- Redbubble https://www.redbubble.com/people/eyesofterror/shop Found on- For rent on Amazon Prime & Youtube Synopsis- As the staff of Good Friends Church Camp prepares for a spring break filled with "Fun Under the Son", a demon logger rises from his sap boiler to wreak his vengeance and feast on flapjacks soaked in the blood of his victims. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3201722/ Tonights Beer Caravan Tour: Black Currant And Ginger Cider A collaboration with Hutton & Smith with Fresh Pressed...
2020-09-1534 min
You Had Your ChanceEpisode 6 - My Dinner With Andre with Alex DobrenkoAlex Dobrenko (Distance, Krisha) joins Nick & David to cross Louis Malle's legendary film "My Dinner With Andre" off his bucket queue, and they discuss the benefits of feeling present, tips to get out of boring conversations, and the keys to a spot-on Wallace Shawn impersonation. Warning: FULL OF SPOILERS. But it's been out since '81, so, you had your chance.
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2020-02-101h 16
How Are You Thinking About? with IgorAlex Dobrenko Returns! + Igor has been sadAlex Dobrenko returns to plug his new show, Distance, a series about a long distance relationship shot from two perspectives. It's beautiful. Watch it here, free, right now: http://www.distancetheseries.com/ Also, podcast elephant in the room: it's been one year since we've heard a new episode. What's been going on with Igor? Is he depressed, or something? Yes. Good guess. And because it's still How Are You Thinking About, we talk about fear, wanting to be successful, defining success, being hard on ourselves, identifying so hard with one's career that one has no id...
2018-04-251h 19
The Art of Film FundingAlex Dobrenko, Explains TUGG’s New Educational, Non-theatrical DivisionOur guest, Alex Dobrenko, shares how important these rights are before you make a distribution deal and give up COD EVOD.If you would like to learn more about Carole Dean and From the Heart Productions please visit www.FromtheHeartProductions.com
2017-11-2243 minHow Are You Thinking About? with IgorAlex Dobrenko, part 2 - Working toward HappinessPart two of my chat with Actor/Writer/Deep Thinker Alex Dobrenko. We have a wide and freewheeling conversation about: - Creating highly personal art - The immigrant mentality - Porn - Happiness/tranquility - Balance - Morning routines - Daoism - Dealing with the need for affirmation - The sacrifices of our parents And much, much more. Find Alex on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dobrenkz You can see Al...
2016-06-1456 minHow Are You Thinking About? with IgorAlex Dobrenko, part 1 - Working toward HappinessActor/Writer/Sweetheart Alex Dobrenko is on the podcast this week for a wide and freewheeling conversation about: - Creating highly personal art - The immigrant mentality - Porn - Happiness/tranquility - Balance - Morning routines - Daoism - Dealing with the need for affirmation - The sacrifices of our parents And much, much more. Find Alex on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dobrenkz You can see Alex in a...
2016-06-141h 19