The Writers Hangout

In honor of Dolly Parton's recent passing, we are rewinding our episode with 9 to 5 screenwriter Patricia Resnick.
We have a fantastic episode for you—and one that feels especially meaningful as we remember the extraordinary Dolly Parton.
My guest is screenwriter, producer, and stand-up comedian Patricia Resnick, best known for writing the iconic film 9 to 5, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, as well as writing the book for 9 to 5: The Musical.
With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the remarkable legacy of 9 to 5—a film that became much more than a comedy. It gave working women a voice, challenged workplace sexism, and became a cultural touchstone. Dolly’s performance, humor, music, and unforgettable title song helped make the film an enduring classic.
Patricia Resnick was there at the beginning, creating the story that would become one of the most beloved workplace comedies of all time. She was also involved in writing and producing on television’s Mad Men and Better Things, among many other projects.
Writers and friends, I promise you'll want to listen to this episode multiple times.
Patricia shares her incredible journey to becoming a successful, working screenwriter and talks candidly about what it was like to build a career as a writer and a single mom during a time when women in the workplace were often simply called “the girl.”
In honor of Dolly Parton, we’re revisiting the story behind 9 to 5 and celebrating the women who helped bring this groundbreaking story to life.
Dolly may be gone, but her music, her movies, her generosity, and the doors she helped open for women will continue to inspire generations of writers, artists, and dreamers.
This episode is a celebration of Dolly Parton, Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5, and the power of women telling their own stories.
The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

What happens when a struggling writer claims a Hollywood powerhouse stole her idea?
In this episode of The Writers Hangout, Sandy takes a closer look at a lawsuit filed by writer Lauren J. Salkin, who alleges that Taylor Sheridan and others used elements of her 2016 pitch, Sovereign Nation, to create the hit series Yellowstone.
Sandy breaks down a recent Variety article about the lawsuit and examines the similarities Salkin claims exist between her project and Yellowstone — including a tribal casino at the center of political and development power, disputes over reservation land, development deals, and allegedly similar character roles.
But is this actually plagiarism, or could it be a case of parallel thinking — two writers independently arriving at similar ideas within the same genre?
Sandy also looks at the history of Yellowstone, including Taylor Sheridan and John Linson's earlier development of the project, Sheridan's career as a screenwriter, and the challenges writers face when they believe their work has been copied.
Sandy also discusses the importance of understanding how Hollywood actually works when it comes to pitches, ideas, scripts, and intellectual property.
What do you think? Do you believe Taylor Sheridan stole Lauren J. Salkin's pitch, or do you think the similarities are simply examples of parallel thinking?
Send your thoughts to thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com.
The Writers Hangout is sponsored by the Page International Screenwriting Awards.
Executive Producer: Kristen Overn
Executive Producer and Host: Sandy Adamides
Co-Host: Terry Sampson
Music: Ethan Stoller
If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. And remember: Keep writing. The world needs your stories.
Taylor Sheridan Accused of Stealing ‘Yellowstone’ From 2016 Pitch in Copyright Lawsuit By Jack Dunn
https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/taylor-sheridan-accused-stealing-yellowstone-lawsuit-1236840854/

Let us introduce you to the fascinating and luxurious world of Stephen Leo Bing, an American businessman, philanthropist, film producer, and screenwriter. Sadly, Steve Bing passed away from multiple blunt-force trauma after jumping from the 27th floor of a luxury apartment building in Century City, Los Angeles, on June 22, 2020. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner officially confirmed his death as a suicide. He was just 55 years old.

Enjoy the show.

Contact us: thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn and Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller
 
PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent.

Rewind. Did you know there was another SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE besides the animated blockbuster starring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen? The first SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE hit theaters in 1993 and was the first feature-length live-action film based on a video game. Directed by the husband-and-wife team Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel, it follows brothers Mario Mario (Bob Hoskins) and Luigi Mario (John Leguizamo) as they quest to rescue Princess Daisy (Samantha Mathis) from a dystopian parallel universe ruled by the ruthless King Koopa (Dennis Hopper). Unfortunately, it was a box office failure and was widely panned by critics. The credits list three writers, Parker Bennett, Terry Runté, and Ed Solomon.

Why did one MARIO movie succeed when the other MARIO movie didn’t? That’s the big question Sandy and Terry tackle in this episode.  

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💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com 
PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent.

Hang out with us for a fun conversation with Lisa Orkin and Harris Orkin — daughter and son of legendary radio writer, actor, and producer Dick Orkin. Dick Orkin, the mind behind the iconic radio serial “Chickenman” and the creative powerhouse The Famous Radio Ranch, was hailed by Newsweek as the pioneer of “The Advertising Theater of the Absurd.” He revolutionized audio advertising with his use of deadpan comedy, memorable characters, and situational humor, setting a new standard for creative storytelling in audio.
Meet Our Guests:
Lisa Orkin is a comedian, actor, writer, and audio director renowned for her unique blend of comedy, storytelling, and marketing across radio, film, and digital audio platforms. She’s also known for her podcast production work, distinctive voice acting, and creative leadership at The Radio Ranch.
Harris Orkin is a multi-medium storyteller — author, playwright, screenwriter, video game narrative designer, and voice director. He’s best known for his BAFTA and WGA-nominated scripts for the Resident Evil video games and for his James Flynn Escapades spy comedy novels.
 The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Executive Producer/CreatorSandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller