5AM StoryTalk

A community of artists and art lovers trying to make sense of the 21st century together - through the lens of film, TV, music, novels, and fine art.

By Cole Haddon
· Over 10,000 subscribers

Screen/Writing Craft

The Brew | How I Prep for My 2nd Draft
On the itinerary: Spec feature script 1st draft complete • rewriting strategies to find perspective • 'Obsession', 'Backrooms', and making core memories…
Jun 23•Cole Haddon

Pop/Culture

Psychologist Dacher Keltner | The Cultural Necessity of Awe
We've traded collective wonder for isolated screens and our art is paying the price - but what if reclaiming awe can heal us and transform our…
May 26•Cole Haddon

Film & TV

'Star Wars': A Galaxy Where Nothing of Consequence Happens Anymore
We need to talk about 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and the golden rule of commercial storytelling that Disney seems to have completely forgotten
Jun 16•Cole Haddon

Music & Fine Art

Bonus Episode: Dacher Keltner Talks Jan Steen's ' Merry Company on a Terrace'
The psychologist and awe expert breaks down a seminal artwork from his life - a 1670 Dutch painting that helps explain why he's spent his life studying…
May 28•Cole Haddon

Books & Comic Books

Bonus Episode: Erin Cahill Talks Shakespeare's 'The Seven Ages of Man'
Listen | The Hallmark Christmas film star breaks down a seminal piece of art from her life - Shakespeare's 'All the World's a Stage' monologue from the…
Dec 10, 2025

The Creative Life

☕ 5AM CoffeeTalk: June 2026
A monthly rundown about my life as a professional artist, art lover, and human being trying to survive the 21st century - good and bad, glorious and…
Jun 9

Monthly Arts Seminar

✒️ Monthly Arts Seminar – June 2026
A space for StoryTalkers to discuss (with me and each other) the arts, craft and business, and the challenges they’re facing on their creative journeys
Jun 4