Actress Lauren Weedman of Looking and Hacks reads “Purple Minions” by Edna G.C., high-school senior in 826LA’s after-school tutoring in Mar Vista. Edna’s manifesto on how to create chaos includes useful tips like, “Sometimes you just have to do stuff and not tell anyone.” We talk to her about getting in trouble, her sense of humor, her best friend, and more.

Comedian Gary Gulman reads “Raising Waves” by Antonio M., an after-school tutoring student at 826LA in Mar Vista, published poet, and ninth-grader at the time of our recording. Antonio’s story deals in dreams, and he tells us about his as only he can. “I woke up and found myself in a room filled with nothing but peculiarly shaped chairs.”

Actress and stand-up comedy legend Maria Bamford reads “Cracked Eggs” by Jackellyn A.F., a budding magical realist and 13-year-old student in after-school tutoring at 826LA Echo Park. Jackellyn’s story transports readers to the kingdom of the floating islands, domain of the Wizard Peepo. We talk to her about what she’s reading, what makes her laugh, and whether or not a writer needs to know all the answers.

Comedian and Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Marc Evan Jackson reads “The Adventures of Super Space Dog” by Brandon V., a seven-year-old student in our Echo Park Write On! After School program. We talk with Brandon about delicious food, playing guitar, and what inspires his character ideas. “They began to start touching all the houses as they walked around, as well as picking grass up from the park.”

Grey’s Anatomy alum (and long-time 826LA volunteer) Jerrika Hinton reads “I Almost Never Have What I Want” by Sky R., a high school junior who participated in our Winter Writers Workshop. Sky’s story originates with a photo from the 1950’s she saw in the Green Bus Artspace in Santa Monica, of a young woman looking melancholy in a prom dress. We talk with her about the friend that picture reminds her of, and the expectations placed on girls her age to this day.

Welcome to The Young Authors Podcast from 826LA! Enjoy this sneak preview of our first season, featuring student writing read by Maria Bamford, Gary Gulman, Jerrika Hinton, Marc Evan Jackson, and Lauren Weedman.