DIY MFA Radio

Gabriela Pereira built DIY MFA on a compelling premise: you do not need a formal MFA program to develop serious writing skills. Her weekly podcast is the audio companion to that philosophy, offering the craft education and industry knowledge you might get in a graduate writing program, minus the tuition bill. The guest list alone makes the show worth following. Pereira has interviewed Delia Ephron, Tana French, Jojo Moyes, John Sandford, Steve Berry, Kathy Reichs, and Guy Kawasaki, among many others. Her Craft Jam episodes focus on specific techniques like narration, revision, character development, and story structure, functioning almost like mini-workshops you can listen to on your commute. Recently the show celebrated ten years with a reflective series on lessons learned from a decade of podcasting, which offered some surprisingly candid insights about creative longevity. With nearly 485 episodes and a 4.8-star rating, Pereira has proven she can sustain quality over the long haul. Listeners praise her approachable teaching style and the way she distills advice into memorable, actionable takeaways. The show works for writers at every stage, from people drafting their first short story to published authors looking to sharpen specific elements of their craft. It is the kind of podcast that makes you feel like you are progressing as a writer just by listening.