Spirit Talk Show kicks off Season 5 with a special extended premiere featuring Emmy-winning television writer and licensed therapist David Silverman. From penning episodes of ALF, Newhart, The Wild Thornberrys, and South Park to guiding screenwriters through emotional burnout, David’s career is a testament to both creative brilliance and human depth.
In this unforgettable conversation, we dive into:
What really went down behind the scenes of ALF
How David accidentally received The Simpsons director’s paychecks
Why rejection stings and how to survive it
The truth about writing rooms, residuals, and rewriting under pressure
And how a second act in psychotherapy made him a better storyteller — and mentor
We also discuss his must-read book How to Be a Rockstar Screenwriter, praised as “six stars” by Emmy winner Robert Illes and packed with hard-won advice for anyone who dreams of making screenwriting a career — or at least paying the bills.
Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran ready to pivot, this episode is your backstage pass to the craft, the chaos, and the care it takes to stay standing in Hollywood.