
Michael Jamin and the Importance of Small Moments
From Talking Writing by Martha Nichols, John Vogel, and Neva Talladen
March 4, 2026 · 40 min · Season 6 · Episode 10
About this episode
John Vogel interviews television writer Michael Jamin about his personal essays and career in writing.
For this episode TW creative director John Vogel sat down with television writer and showrunner Michael Jamin about his collection of personal essays, A Paper Orchestra . Michael’s television career started in the mid-90’s with an episode of Lois and Clark , followed by more involved work on Just Shoot Me! and King of the Hill . Other writing and production credits include Beavis and Butthead , Rules of Engagement , Maron , and Wilfred . He self-published A Paper Orchestra through his company 3 Girls Jumping, and the book was named one of the best comedy books of 2024 by Vulture. Partially inspired by David Sedaris, Michael has also developed a stage show of the essays that has evolved from readings to reenacted performances of the scenes. In this conversation Michael and John talk about different themes throughout the essays, his transition to the stage, and balancing family life with work.
People in this episode
Hosts: John Vogel, Martha Nichols, Neva Talladen
Guest: Michael Jamin
Topics covered
- television writing
- personal essays
- comedy
- family life
- stage performance
Keywords
- Michael Jamin
- A Paper Orchestra
- television writer
- comedy essays
- stage show
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: 3 Girls Jumping, Vulture
Books & works: A Paper Orchestra
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