Mulling it Over with Brandon Mull&#34; is your passport to the creative realms, where renowned author Brandon Mull and podcast host Jason Conforto engage in candid conversations about the magic of storytelling. Join us for a journey through Brandon&#39;s captivating worlds, unraveling the secrets of his creative process, and exploring the art of imagination. Tune in as two friends share laughs, insights, and the joy of all things creative in this lively and inspiring podcast.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/15/20/049d4e9b-d92a-4934-ab89-4f104c04c36b_mio-e40_entering_the_flow_state.mp3

In this episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk about the flow state, those moments when creativity takes over and the work seems to flow naturally. They discuss how they get into flow, what can interrupt it, and how writers and other creatives can create the right conditions to do their best work.

Entering the Flow State

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/15/20/8888c7a1-0d25-41ea-885b-5304ff5bb1d1_a_bybee_-_from_journalism_to_children_s_books-.mp3

Award-winning author Veeda Bybee joins Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown to discuss her journey from journalism to writing children&#39;s books. She shares how her reporting background shaped her storytelling, what inspired her career change, and the unique challenges and rewards of writing for young readers. It&#39;s a thoughtful conversation about creativity, perseverance, and finding your path as a writer.

Veeda Bybee - From Journalism to Children's Books

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/31/3/73e0230e-3a65-4898-82bf-c06a9a8e9127_mio-e38_fear.mp3

In this episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk about fear, from their own personal fears to the fears that shape fictional characters. They explore how fear can influence writing, create conflict, and help make characters feel more real. It’s a fun and personal conversation about how fear can be a powerful tool in storytelling.

Fear

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/2/0/d66722b5-0816-40d2-a201-cc6b2277282f_mio-e37_adhd_with_janci_patterson.mp3

In the third and final episode of this series with Janci Patterson, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown discuss Janci’s experience with ADHD and how it has shaped her creative life. Janci and Shelly both share their experiences with ADHD, exploring the challenges and strengths that come with thinking differently. Together, they discuss strategies for managing the writing process, the ways ADHD can influence storytelling, and how neurodiversity can be a creative advantage. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation about creativity, writing, and embracing the way your mind works.

In the third and final episode of this series with Janci Patterson, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown discuss Janci’s experience with ADHD and how it has shaped her creative life. Janci and Shelly both share their experiences with ADHD, exploring the challenges and strengths that come with thinking differently. Together, they discuss strategies for managing the writing process, the ways ADHD can influence storytelling, and how neurodiversity can be a creative advantage. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation about creativity, writing, and embracing the way your mind works.


ADHD with Janci Patterson

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/15/17/1048e0de-37ea-4ea0-be5d-25a9c7e6fcc0_mio-e36_terms_of_venery.mp3

In this episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto explore terms of venery, the unusual names used for groups of animals. They look at some of the strangest real examples, venture into terms for fantasy creatures, and then invent new ones for creatures from Brandon’s own books. It’s a fun conversation about language, fantasy, and the strange ways we name things.

Terms of Venery

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/2/0/9662bd07-4fd1-4815-846b-1ac262a26e09_n___collaborating_with_brandon_sanderson__1_.mp3

In this episode, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown continue their conversation with Janci Patterson, discussing her experiences collaborating with bestselling author Brandon Sanderson and other writers. Janci shares what it takes to successfully coauthor a book, how collaboration differs from writing solo, and the unique challenges and rewards that come from creating stories as a team. It’s an insightful look at the collaborative side of the writing world.

In this episode, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown continue their conversation with Janci Patterson, discussing her experiences collaborating with bestselling author Brandon Sanderson and other writers. Janci shares what it takes to successfully coauthor a book, how collaboration differs from writing solo, and the unique challenges and rewards that come from creating stories as a team. It’s an insightful look at the collaborative side of the writing world.


Janci Patterson – Collaborating with Brandon Sanderson

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/2/0/3cf73fe8-578f-4679-a64a-bf17ebcf2470_ships___film_projects_with_christopher_paolini.mp3

In the second episode with bestselling author Christopher Paolini, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk with Christopher about writing compelling character relationships and how those relationships drive a story forward. They also discuss upcoming film and television projects connected to both authors’ work, and what it’s like seeing stories move from page to screen. It’s a fun conversation about storytelling, adaptation, and the future of their creative worlds.

In the second episode with bestselling author Christopher Paolini, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk with Christopher about writing compelling character relationships and how those relationships drive a story forward. They also discuss upcoming film and television projects connected to both authors’ work, and what it’s like seeing stories move from page to screen. It’s a fun conversation about storytelling, adaptation, and the future of their creative worlds.


Character Relationships & Film Projects with Christopher Paolini

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/1/23/d6d73128-f18e-4beb-98bd-4fc00aab5d7f_mio-e33_getting_started_with_janci_patterson.mp3

In this episode, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown are joined by bestselling author Janci Patterson to talk about how she got started as a writer. Janci shares her path to publication, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned while building a successful writing career. It’s an encouraging conversation for aspiring authors looking to take the next step in their own journey.

In this episode, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown are joined by bestselling author Janci Patterson to talk about how she got started as a writer. Janci shares her path to publication, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned while building a successful writing career. It’s an encouraging conversation for aspiring authors looking to take the next step in their own journey.


Getting Started with Janci Patterson

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/1/23/a3c717b0-dd03-4d36-962a-0a08ab9c7424_c_fantasy___outlining_with_christopher_paolini.mp3

In the first of two episodes with bestselling author Christopher Paolini, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk about the origins of Eragon, how Christopher got started as a writer, and the process of building an epic fantasy series. They also dive into outlining, preparation, and the different ways authors organize massive stories before they ever reach the page. It’s a fun and insightful conversation about storytelling, creativity, and the journey to becoming an author.

In the first of two episodes with bestselling author Christopher Paolini, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk about the origins of Eragon, how Christopher got started as a writer, and the process of building an epic fantasy series. They also dive into outlining, preparation, and the different ways authors organize massive stories before they ever reach the page. It’s a fun and insightful conversation about storytelling, creativity, and the journey to becoming an author.

Epic Fantasy & Outlining with Christopher Paolini

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/2/3/081aa80d-94d3-4ecc-8dbe-28a159d74d28__writing_middle_grade_horror_with_kaela_rivera.mp3

In the third and final episode of this series with Kaela Rivera, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown talk about writing horror for middle grade readers. Kaela and Shelly both have novels in the genre, and they discuss how to balance scares with heart, tension with age-appropriate storytelling, and what makes spooky stories resonate with younger audiences. It’s a fun and insightful conversation about crafting chills for young readers.

In the third and final episode of this series with Kaela Rivera, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown talk about writing horror for middle grade readers. Kaela and Shelly both have novels in the genre, and they discuss how to balance scares with heart, tension with age-appropriate storytelling, and what makes spooky stories resonate with younger audiences. It’s a fun and insightful conversation about crafting chills for young readers.

Writing Middle Grade Horror with Kaela Rivera

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/2/3/0b634380-3dfd-44e0-969d-c7d8640ae1e3_-e30_independent_publishing_with_aaron_n._hall.mp3

In this episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto sit down with independent author Aaron N. Hall to talk about the world of self-publishing. They discuss the freedom and challenges of going independent, building an audience without a traditional publisher, and what it takes to succeed as an indie author. It’s an insightful conversation for anyone considering forging their own path in publishing.

In this episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto sit down with independent author Aaron N. Hall to talk about the world of self-publishing. They discuss the freedom and challenges of going independent, building an audience without a traditional publisher, and what it takes to succeed as an indie author. It’s an insightful conversation for anyone considering forging their own path in publishing.


Independent Publishing with Aaron N. Hall

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/2/3/b14cc9ec-42b8-45f7-b2eb-8e098ed103d9_-e29_heritage___storytelling_with_kaela_rivera.mp3

In this episode, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown continue their conversation with Kaela Rivera, exploring how her Mexican heritage shapes her storytelling. Kaela shares how culture, family history, and personal experience influence her characters and themes. It’s a meaningful discussion about identity, authenticity, and writing from the heart.

In this episode, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown continue their conversation with Kaela Rivera, exploring how her Mexican heritage shapes her storytelling. Kaela shares how culture, family history, and personal experience influence her characters and themes. It’s a meaningful discussion about identity, authenticity, and writing from the heart.

Heritage & Storytelling with Kaela Rivera

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/2/3/4ae99c69-6409-400d-ab56-8933fc1adefd_-e28_learning_disabilities_with_jason_conforto.mp3

In this listener-requested episode, Brandon Mull, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown talk about learning disabilities, with a special focus on Jason’s personal journey with dyslexia and synesthesia. Together, they discuss the challenges, misconceptions, and unexpected strengths that can come with thinking differently. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation about creativity, resilience, and embracing the way your mind works.

In this listener-requested episode, Brandon Mull, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown talk about learning disabilities, with a special focus on Jason’s personal journey with dyslexia and synesthesia. Together, they discuss the challenges, misconceptions, and unexpected strengths that can come with thinking differently. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation about creativity, resilience, and embracing the way your mind works.


Learning Disabilities with Jason Conforto

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/2/3/dff776b4-0096-4542-a7e5-efec512efef7_-e27_resistance_to_revisions_with_kaela_rivera.mp3

In the first of three episodes with author Kaela Rivera, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown talk with Kaela about her writing journey and her initial resistance to revisions. Together, they explore learning to embrace feedback, the growth that comes through rewriting, and how revisions ultimately make a story stronger. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation about becoming a better writer.

In the first of three episodes with author Kaela Rivera, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown talk with Kaela about her writing journey and her initial resistance to revisions. Together, they explore learning to embrace feedback, the growth that comes through rewriting, and how revisions ultimately make a story stronger. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation about becoming a better writer.


Resistance to Revisions with Kaela Rivera

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/2/3/1913e7d5-5bd8-4d81-ab5c-0ba344d3d934_mio-e26_changes___interest.mp3

In this episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto are joined by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown to talk about some exciting changes to Mulling it Over. While Brandon will continue his monthly episodes, Jason, Chad, and Shelly will also begin hosting additional interviews to bring even more content to the show. Most of the conversation focuses on how writers keep readers interested and engaged from beginning to end.

In this episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto are joined by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown to talk about some exciting changes to Mulling it Over. While Brandon will continue his monthly episodes, Jason, Chad, and Shelly will also begin hosting additional interviews to bring even more content to the show. Most of the conversation focuses on how writers keep readers interested and engaged from beginning to end.

Changes & Interest with Chad Morris & Shelly Brown

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/11/4/23/4f98f604-133d-42de-9ede-b786c90c1787_5_editing_and_advice_with_jennifer_a._nielsen_.mp3

In the final episode of their three-part series with bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk about the editing process—what it looks like, how to survive it, and how it strengthens a story. Jennifer also shares valuable advice for aspiring writers, from handling rejection to finding your voice. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation full of wisdom for writers at any stage.

In the final episode of their three-part series with bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk about the editing process—what it looks like, how to survive it, and how it strengthens a story. Jennifer also shares valuable advice for aspiring writers, from handling rejection to finding your voice. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation full of wisdom for writers at any stage.

Editing & Advice with Jennifer A. Nielsen

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/11/4/23/37da768f-8bf0-4a16-876f-5fd447165cfd_mio-e24__free_tension_with_jennifer_a._nielsen.mp3

In this second episode with bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto explore the art of building tension in a story—without relying solely on violence or high-stakes action. Jennifer shares how she keeps readers on the edge of their seats using tools like pacing, emotional stakes, character dynamics, and surprising plot turns. It’s a masterclass in storytelling from one of the genre’s best.

In this second episode with bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto explore the art of building tension in a story—without relying solely on violence or high-stakes action. Jennifer shares how she keeps readers on the edge of their seats using tools like pacing, emotional stakes, character dynamics, and surprising plot turns. It’s a masterclass in storytelling from one of the genre’s best.


Free Tension with Jennifer A. Nielsen

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/11/4/23/4cc1ab1e-e79c-4aba-818a-3d94bff7beda_esearch___imagination_with_jennifer_a._nielsen.mp3

In the first of three episodes with bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen (The False Prince, Resistance), Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk with Jennifer about how she got started in writing, how she blends research with imagination in both fantasy and historical fiction, and her experiences connecting with young readers. It’s an inspiring look at the heart and craft behind her stories

In the first of three episodes with bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen (The False Prince, Resistance), Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto talk with Jennifer about how she got started in writing, how she blends research with imagination in both fantasy and historical fiction, and her experiences connecting with young readers. It’s an inspiring look at the heart and craft behind her stories

Research & Imagination with Jennifer A. Nielsen

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/11/4/23/c8fde0b4-bb0b-452e-a0bc-ed288809e671_mio-e22_live_at_fanx.mp3

In this special live episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto take the stage at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, joined by publisher Chris Schoebinger. Most of the episode features Brandon answering audience questions about writing, creativity, and the publishing process. It’s an engaging and candid conversation that gives fans an inside look at Brandon’s approach to storytelling

In this special live episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto take the stage at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, joined by publisher Chris Schoebinger. Most of the episode features Brandon answering audience questions about writing, creativity, and the publishing process. It’s an engaging and candid conversation that gives fans an inside look at Brandon’s approach to storytelling


Live at FanX

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/8/16/d981e8f1-6a89-47e4-8a2c-be78f8a6971e_mio-e21_quills_conference__live__.mp3

In this special live episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto take the stage at the Quills Conference, joined by guests Candace J. Thomas and Lisa Mangum. Together, they talk about how to make the most of attending a writing conference—everything from networking and feedback to inspiration and finding your community. Whether you&#39;re a first-time attendee or a conference regular, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes fun.

In this special live episode, Brandon Mull and Jason Conforto take the stage at the Quills Conference, joined by guests Candace J. Thomas and Lisa Mangum. Together, they talk about how to make the most of attending a writing conference—everything from networking and feedback to inspiration and finding your community. Whether you&#39;re a first-time attendee or a conference regular, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes fun.

Quills Conference (Live!)

Your passport to the creative realms with renowned author Brandon Mull.

"Mulling it Over with Brandon Mull" is your passport to the creative realms, where renowned author Brandon Mull and podcast host Jason Conforto engage in candid conversations about the magic of storytelling. Join us for a journey through Brandon's captivating worlds, unraveling the secrets of his creative process, and exploring the art of imagination. Tune in as two friends share laughs, insights, and the joy of all things creative in this lively and inspiring podcast.