Listen:
The words people use tell you exactly who they are, if you know how to read them.
In this episode I sit down with Jennie Young, a professor of rhetoric whose “Burn the Haystack” method and Facebook group sparked a powerful movement, now captured in her book Burn the Haystack. She flips the traditional dating narrative on its head, showing women how to find their “needle” by torching the men who are duds.
As a former magazine editor and longtime writing teacher, I was especially drawn to how Jennie breaks down language, tone, and behavior with precision. This conversation goes far beyond dating. It’s about learning how to read what people say and how they say it, whether you’re navigating relationships, the workplace, or your own writing.
Watch on YouTube
About Jennie Young
Jennie Young is a professor of rhetoric at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, specializing in applied rhetoric, humor, and feminism. Her work focuses on helping women detect manipulation and decode power dynamics in dating, work, and everyday life.
Her book, Burn the Haystack: Decode Dating, Torch the Duds, and Make Room for Men Who Matter, has inspired a global movement and a rapidly growing online community.
Links & Resources:
- Jennie Young’s book: Burn the Haystack
- Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/9116647515019601
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/word_case_scenario/
- Estelle’s website: https://estelleserasmus.com
- Subscribe for exclusive podcast clips: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com
- Sign up for the NYU Editor-on-Call Event on April 22 with the Editor-in-Chief of Provoked Magazine. https://events.nyu.edu/event/384509-editor-on-call-ready-to-pitch-publish-and-g
Don’t miss episode #185 The Rise of Authorpreneurship with Literary Agent Regina Brooks
And find the free resource guide from the panel I moderated at AWP here
About Estelle Erasmus
Estelle Erasmus is an NYU writing professor, former magazine editor-in-chief, TEDx speaker, and the author of Writing That Gets Noticed, named a Best Book for Writers by Poets & Writers. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Freelance Writing Direct, where she shares insider strategies on craft, publishing, and building a writing career.
Get More From Estelle Erasmus
- Free NYU “Editor on Call” Event
Join Estelle Erasmus and the editor-in-chief of PROVOKED on April 22 from 12:30–1:30 PM EDT to learn how to pitch and publish your work.
Register here: - Private Small-Group Memoir/Essay Class
My Next 6-week session is in September/October 2026. May is Sold Out.
Email freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for details. - Watch
Estelle’s TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond - Book
Writing That Gets Noticed — named a Poets & Writers “Best Book for Writers.”
Follow Estelle
Instagram: @EstelleSErasmus
TikTok: @EstelleSErasmus
Twitter/X: @EstelleSErasmus
Bluesky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social
