The Writing at the Red House Podcast

In this delightful and especially snarky episode, hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp dive into some of the desperate attempts made by innumerable authors and speakers to be noticed. They discuss 19 (yes, 19!) missteps communicators should avoid at all cost. With their usual candor, engaging banter, and especially tongue-in-cheek approach, these seasoned authors and speakers provide candid perspe...

Have you ever been called at the last minute to cover for another speaker?  Do you wish the time you spend to prepare a message could be minimized?  This episode was tailor-made for you!   Hosts Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt, who have prepared hundreds of messages themselves, uncover some of the tenants of being well-prepared and the shortcuts to success.  They look at the anchors of your message...

In this episode, hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp share some of their secrets (their favorite books on writing) with their listeners. Using their usual humorous and candid banter, the ladies do a delightful book report on some empowering resources for writers and communicators alike. Anyone who has the itch to write (or just to write well) does not want to miss this "members only" look at the...

Are you a writer that needs an encouraging shot in the arm? Wisdom from an experienced communicator? Some insight on self-publishing? This episode is for you! Established and popular author, Mary DeMuth (she has over 30 books!), joins hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp as they discuss the steps of self-publishing for the budding author and tackles e-publishing and print on demand. Mary has writt...

Have you ever thought about writing your life's memoir?  Do people tell you that your story would make a great book? In this episode, the popular topic of memoir is addressed by hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp and are joined by New York Times bestseller, Susy Flory.  They examine the types of memoir, how to determine the structure of one's memoir, what qualifies a person to write memoir, and...

Does the idea of a book launch seem completely daunting to you? In this episode, Kim Stewart, speaker and book launch team manager join hosts, Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt to discuss building a book launch and how to simplify the process with your sanity intact. They discuss the components of a successful book launch, how to organize a launch team, and strategies for success. If you are a buddin...

In this practical episode, hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp introduce the strategies of Facebook Live.  They charge those interested in using this great tool to be prepared, brave, consistent, spontaneous, and brief.  Their fun and candid approach to being creative in serving their audience is so refreshing.  You do not want to miss this delightful and practical episode regarding social media...

In this riveting episode, Hosts Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt talk with author and speaker Cindy Bultema about sharing the "bad stuff" of one's life to show the goodness of God.  Both Cindy and Michele address the difficulties and blessings of allowing an audience into the unpleasant of their pasts and the power of doing so.  Authors and speakers alike, you do not want to miss this episode full o...

Wendy Pope, author known for life change through her in-depth Bible Studies and her place in the Proverbs 31 ministry, joins hosts Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt on the topic of the waiting game that many authors and speakers endure. Wendy addresses the five misconceptions about waiting and how it pertains to the ministry of the communicator. Any author or speaker who finds themselves waiting for...

To Self-publish or Not to Self-Publish? That is the question! Fortunately, for those of us who are contemplating self-publishing, author and mentor, Sherri Johnson addresses the journey that is bringing one's work to our audience in written form. Hosts Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt share their experiences through the myths, misconceptions, methods, and mayhem of self-publishing. Do not miss this...

In this episode, successful authors and speakers Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp talk to Cheri Gregory, Christian communicator and co-author of the newly-released "Overwhelmed."  Kathi and Cheri share insight from their book, personal stories, candor, and practical tools for avoiding the overwhelm that can come from juggling a communicator's long list of responsibilities, aspirations, and expectati...

In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt discuss the trappings communicators often fall into in the area of identity.  Michele's new book "I AM" is a poignant look at identity in Christ and how we can find freedom in the Gospel approach to our identity.  This episode is relevant to Christian communicators and anyone else who struggles to embrace the person God created him/ her to be.

Popular author and speaker, Jill Savage, joins Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp on the topic of ministering the midst of the mess.  Jill's refreshing candor and personal stories provide insight to avoid the trap  of thinking one has to be perfect in order to point others to Jesus.  She provides hope to all those who live imperfect lives whilst wanting to make a difference in the world.

In this episode, hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp discuss the importance of graphics and visuals in the speaker's ministry with the incomparable Nicki Koziarz.  Nicki is a popular Proverbs 31 speaker, author, pug owner, and graphics rockstar.  They delve into the world of graphics, giving insider info., providing free and inexpensive resources, and hope for those without a creative bone in the...

In this valuable two-part episode, authors and speakers, Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt, both encourage the need for a team and provide various ways to gather such support on a shoestring budget. Whether you are just starting out in your ministry, or have a few more ministry miles on your journey, this two-part gem will provide invaluable wisdom and empowerment. (Part 2 of 2)

In this valuable two-part episode, authors and speakers, Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt, both encourage the need for a team and provide various ways to gather such support on a shoestring budget.  Whether you are just starting out in your ministry, or have a few more ministry miles on your journey, this two-part gem will provide invaluable wisdom and empowerment.

In this episode, Michelle Cushatt and Kathi Lipp unearth some practicalities when it comes to uncovering ways to know one's speaking audience. In order to honor the audience, a speaker needs to unearth the background, environment, flavor of the surrounding area, current events, and perceived needs of the event coordinator. Paul's words to the church in Galatians 6:10 speaks to those of us who spea...

In this episode, authors and speakers Michelle Cushatt and Kathi Lipp, delve into the world of audience need.  One cannot begin to connect with one's readership without first assessing the needs and immediate pain of said readership.  Michelle provides a comprehensive list of ways to glean information about the needs of the audience with five great suggestions.  You do not want to miss this episod...

In this episode, hosts Michelle Cushatt and Kathi Lipp talk with writer and encourager, Glynnis Whitwer.  Glynnis is on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries as the Executive Director of Communications. She is one of the writers of Encouragement for Today, the Proverbs 31 e-mail devotions, with over 950,000 daily readers. She is the author and co-author of 9 books, including her latest Taming the To-D...

In the last decade, the market has been flooded with self-published books. In this episode of Communicator Academy, publishing guru and agent of Books and Such, Rachelle Gardner uncovers the secrets behind self-publishing, current market trends, and the strengths of traditional publishing. She provides six great questions one should ask before diving into the rigors of self-publishing and the rigo...

In the last decade, the market has been flooded with self-published books. In this episode of Communicator Academy, publishing guru Rachelle Gardner uncovers the secrets behind self-publishing, current market trends, and the strengths of traditional publishing. She provides six great questions one should ask before diving into the rigors of self-publishing and the rigors therein: 1) Are you motiva...

Successful authors, Michelle Cushatt and Kathi Lipp explore the advantages of creating a writing rhythm.  In this episode, they discuss some ordinary steps that can produce extraordinary results.  Any budding author or even one who is struggling with writer's block will be encouraged by the practical insight this podcast provides!

The opening portion (commonly known as "the opener") of a talk can be daunting.  In this episode, Michelle Cushatt and Kathi Lipp employ the use of experience, wisdom, and past mistakes to provide the components of a great opener for every speaker.  They communicate in their usual delightful way the four characteristics: prepared, clear, objective-driven, and audience centered. This is a great too...

Amy Carroll

In this insightful episode, Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt uncover the fine line between sharing one's story out of authenticity and desperation.  They provide biblical insight and perspective on how best discern when to tell your story, whether in writing or as a speaker.