Picture a New York-born storyteller who spun supernatural therapy sessions into a podcast sensation—meet Lauren Shippen! Best known for her groundbreaking audio drama The Bright Sessions, Shippen has redefined audio fiction with her heartfelt blend of sci-fi, mental health, and queer representation. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, she’s also made waves in young adult literature with her debut novel, The Infinite Noise.
With a knack for crafting emotionally resonant stories, Shippen draws from her own experiences with anxiety and depression, creating worlds where superpowers meet human struggles. Her work invites listeners and readers to explore what it means to be vulnerable, making her a standout voice in modern storytelling.
The Making of Lauren Shippen
Born in New York City and raised in Bronxville, Lauren Shippen grew up immersed in books and music, with a particular love for fantasy and Panic! at the Disco concerts. She studied music at the College of William & Mary, but her passion for storytelling led her to Los Angeles, where she initially pursued acting. Inspired by shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the podcast Welcome to Night Vale, Shippen began experimenting with audio fiction, blending her love for character-driven narratives with her sound-editing skills. This creative spark birthed The Bright Sessions in 2015, a podcast that would change her life and the audio drama landscape.
Lauren Shippen’s Unforgettable Stories
Shippen’s flagship work, The Bright Sessions, is a sci-fi podcast that follows Dr. Joan Bright, a therapist for “Atypicals”—people with supernatural abilities. Running from 2015 to 2021, the series explores mental health, found family, and LGBTQ+ identity, earning nearly seven million downloads and seven Audio Verse Awards. Its innovative format, framed as therapy sessions, captivated audiences with its emotional depth and blockbuster-worthy twists.
In 2019, Shippen expanded this universe with her debut novel, The Infinite Noise, a young adult romance following Caleb, an empath, and Adam, a teen grappling with depression. Praised for its vivid depiction of emotions, the book resonates with readers through its authentic portrayal of mental health and queer love. Shippen also wrote A Neon Darkness and Some Faraway Place, completing her Bright Sessions trilogy, and penned acclaimed podcasts like Passenger List and Bridgewater, showcasing her versatility across audio and prose.
Her storytelling style is intimate and empathetic, weaving supernatural elements with raw human experiences. Shippen’s characters grapple with anxiety, depression, and identity, making her work a beacon for readers and listeners seeking representation and understanding.
Why Lauren Shippen Matters
Lauren Shippen’s impact lies in her ability to normalize conversations about mental health through speculative fiction. By centering queer and neurodivergent characters, she’s carved out a space for underrepresented voices in sci-fi and YA literature. Her creation of Atypical Artists, a production company dedicated to audio storytelling, further amplifies diverse narratives, fostering a new generation of podcasters. Recognized by Forbes and MovieMaker Magazine, Shippen’s influence extends beyond her stories, inspiring creators to blend emotional authenticity with genre innovation.
Her work also resonates with fans on a personal level, offering solace to those navigating mental health challenges. As she continues to write, direct, and produce, Shippen remains a trailblazer, proving that vulnerability is a superpower.
- Born: New York City
- Key Works: The Bright Sessions, The Infinite Noise, Passenger List, Bridgewater
- Awards: Forbes 30 Under 30 (2018), iHeart Podcast Award, BBC Audio Drama Award
Ready to dive into a world of superpowers and heartfelt moments? Grab The Infinite Noise or binge The Bright Sessions for a dose of Lauren Shippen’s magic!