In this episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Becky Barsi and Joe Acone sit down with freelance writer Ben Cassidy! A journalist whose byline you’ve likely seen in places like GQ, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Scientific American, Ben’s writing blends curiosity with craft, often taking readers into the unexpected corners of science, culture, and the human condition. He’s been recognized by Longreads and The Sunday Long Read for his standout narratives and formerly served as the features editor at Seattle Met, where his longform work earned national awards. Now based in New England, Ben continues to explore the region—and beyond—through his writing and his newsletter, aptly named The New England Newsletter. In this conversation, we’ll talk about the art of immersive storytelling, how Ben finds and shapes his stories, and what it means to document a place with both depth and heart. Let’s get into it! Learn more about Ben at https://www.bybencassidy.com/ and at https://thenewenglandnewsletter.substack.com/. Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord. If you love listening, consider making a donation to Creative Guts! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com. Thank you to our friends at Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH and the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts in Rochester, NH for their support of the show!