Writing What Hurts: Samuel Brett Williams on Truth, Theater, and Emotional Honesty
SHOW NOTES
In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with award-winning playwright and screenwriter Samuel Brett Williams to talk about what it really means to tell the truth on stage, in life, and with yourself.
Brett’s work doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable. He writes the kind of stories that spark walkouts, raise eyebrows, and, more importantly, invite reflection. We talk about his journey from Arkansas to New York and back again, the inner battles of imposter syndrome, the fear of not being good enough, and the emotional courage it takes to put something honest into the world.
Whether you’re an artist, a creative, or just someone trying to live a little more truthfully, this conversation is a powerful reminder that telling the truth might be the most radical thing we can do, and the most freeing.
In this episode, we explore:
Why Brett believes every great story starts with discomfort
How fear, grief, and personal loss shaped his creative path
The tension between artistic integrity and audience approval
Lessons from theater that apply to real life
The quiet power of building something authentic, one brick at a time
Guest Bio:
Samuel Brett Williams is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. His work has been developed and produced at theaters across the country, including Cherry Lane Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is also a professor of writing and the founder of Southern Theater Company in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Connect with Brett:
Follow Brett's Theater Company: https://www.instagram.com/southern_theatre_company/
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to speak honestly, even if it makes people uncomfortable.
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