Books still shape how we see the world, from the novels that define a generation to the histories that explain how we got here. Brian Rose has spent long hours with cult novelists, bestselling non-fiction writers, historians, scientists and screenwriting teachers. They talk about where their ideas came from, how they write, how they handled success and controversy, and the books they believe matter most. Every full interview is free to watch.
From Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk and Trainspotting novelist Irvine Welsh to Pulitzer Prize winner Jared Diamond, Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker, The 48 Laws of Power author Robert Greene, anthropologist David Graeber and Fingerprints of the Gods author Graham Hancock: the writers behind the books.
Chuck Palahniuk has been on London Real twice. In his first episode he talks about how Fight Club found its cult following, and in 2023 he discusses acts of rebellion and his novel Not Forever, But For Now. Irvine Welsh talks about Skagboys, his prequel to Trainspotting, and the film of his novel Filth. Young adult author Maggie Stiefvater explains why she thinks publishers are still a useful gateway for new writers, and Graham Hancock discusses War God, his move into historical fiction.
Jared Diamond explains the argument of Guns, Germs and Steel, his Pulitzer Prize-winning history of why some societies came to dominate others. Steven Pinker makes the case for reason, science and progress in Enlightenment Now. Robert Greene talks about the reaction to The 48 Laws of Power and his books on seduction and war. David Graeber, the anthropologist who died in 2020, explained why so many jobs feel pointless. Graham Hancock argues for a lost civilisation in America Before, Michael Pollan discusses How to Change Your Mind, and Brian Greene talks about Until the End of Time.
Robert McKee, whose Story seminar has trained generations of screenwriters, explains why moral conflict drives a good story and how structure holds it together. Geoff Thompson, the BAFTA-winning writer, describes going from factory floor to author in Notes From the Factory Floor, and in a later episode discusses forgiveness. Jon Ronson talks about writing The Men Who Stare at Goats and The Psychopath Test. Former undercover detective Peter Bleksley and former drug trafficker Shaun Attwood explain how they turned their own lives into books.
Get every new episode free: watch the latest London Real interviews.
Which authors has London Real interviewed? Brian Rose has interviewed Chuck Palahniuk, Irvine Welsh, Jared Diamond, Steven Pinker, Robert Greene, David Graeber, Graham Hancock, Michael Pollan, Robert McKee, Maggie Stiefvater, Geoff Thompson, Jon Ronson and Brian Greene, among others.
Are there episodes for people who want to write? Yes. Robert McKee explains the principles of story structure, Maggie Stiefvater talks about her work ethic and getting published, and Geoff Thompson describes how he became a writer after years of factory work.
Which non-fiction books do the guests discuss? Guests discuss Guns, Germs and Steel, Enlightenment Now, The 48 Laws of Power, How to Change Your Mind, Until the End of Time and Graham Hancock’s books on lost civilisations, including Magicians of the Gods and America Before.
Are the full literature episodes free to watch? Yes. Every full-length interview on this page can be watched free on londonreal.tv.
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