Hey, this is John. Heads up that today's episode has just a little bit of swearing in it.

Hello and welcome. My name is John August and this is episode 640 of script notes, a

podcast about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screen writers.

Today on the show, the advice to write what you know has become an empty cliche,

yet on this very podcast, we're often advising writers to think about what's personal and specific to their experience when crafting their stories.

Along that axis, we recently had Selin's song on to talk about the many autobiographical elements of her film Past Lives, which recounts and reframes her experience

as a child and as an adult.

But it's one thing to reflect on the past and another to deliberately place yourself

in a perilous spot in the hopes of getting a story out of it.

Today we'll talk to a writer who did just that and what came of it.

We'll also answer a listener questions about talking with managers and talking to yourself.

And in our bonus segment for premium members, how do you set boundaries on material when you're dating another comedian?

To help us do all of that, let's welcome our guest.

Alex Edelman is a stand-up comedian, writer and producer who has written for shows such as

teenage bounty hunters and The Great Endures. His award-winning special Just

for Us which has been touring all over the world since 2018 is out now on

HBO. Thanks so much for having me.

That's so cool.

So unlike many other guests who come on the show,

you actually know what this podcast is.

Yes, when you join the WGA, they make you someone yeah that's that's what happens

Howard Robin puts a but's a steak knife to your back he's like who do you listen to

...