
Everything Is Energy with Cathy Heller Malcolm Gladwell & Bruce Headlam on the Miracle & Wonder of Paul Simon
Dec 16, 2021
Join bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell and journalist Bruce Headlam as they dive into the life and legacy of Paul Simon. They explore Simon's remarkable ability to evolve over six decades, emphasizing the importance of taking creative risks and the beauty found in ordinariness. The duo shares insights on Simon's innovative studio experimentation, his persistence in songwriting despite setbacks, and the powerful cultural movements he aligned with. Through personal anecdotes, they reveal how curiosity fueled Simon's enduring artistic journey.
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Keep Experimenting Until Something Connects
- Take real risks and experiment repeatedly; accept possible failure as part of the process.
- Keep trying new directions until you find work that consistently connects with audiences.
Choose Experimenting Collaborators
- Find collaborators who embrace experimentation and understand the vision quickly.
- Work with people who can say "I get it" after one sentence to move projects forward fast.
The Gift Of Growing Up In Queens
- Place and time shaped Paul Simon's musical palette: 1950s Queens offered daily, mixed cultural exposure.
- That neighborhood mixing let him sample global sounds without feeling like appropriation.

