James Longman, ABC Foreign News Correspondent and author of 'The Inherited Mind,' shares his journey through the emotional toll of conflict journalism. He reflects on being a gay journalist in hostile environments and the challenges this poses. The conversation delves into his family's history with mental illness, exploring the interplay of genetics and environment. Longman emphasizes the need for compassionate support and the importance of navigating trauma, ultimately shedding light on the significant impact our backgrounds have on mental health.
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insights INSIGHT
The Importance of Kindness
Kindness is essential in journalism, especially when interacting with people during their worst moments.
Authentic kindness builds trust and allows for meaningful interactions, benefiting both the journalist and the subject.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Grandmother's Influence
James Longman's grandmother, a Lebanese refugee, was a devout Catholic with a strong personality.
She instilled cultural and religious values in him while also demonstrating pride and superstition.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Father's Illness and Death
James Longman's father, an artist with schizophrenia, died by suicide after setting fire to his apartment.
This event significantly impacted Longman's life and shaped his understanding of mental illness.
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ABC Foreign News Correspondent James Longman speaks to Elizabeth Oldfield about the emotional toll he faces as a journalist reporting from war zones, the challenges of being a gay journalist in dangerous regions abroad, and the intergenerational impact of mental illness within his own family.
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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✍️ See James' new book 'The Inherited Mind': https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211026628-the-inherited-mind
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:54 What is Sacred to you? James Longman responds
07:03 Childhood Influences and Family Dynamics
14:07 The Impact of Mental Health in Family History
18:58 The Journey into Journalism and Conflict Reporting
24:11 Ethics and Responsibilities in News Reporting
29:51 Cultural and Spiritual Influences on Identity
31:48 Navigating Identity in Hostile Environments
38:02 The Interplay of Genetics and Environment
45:11 Understanding Mental Illness and Suicide
48:30 The Power of Compassionate Support
52:00 Elizabeth's reflection
Keywords:
kindness, journalism, family, mental health, ethics, conflict reporting, Ukraine, storytelling, hope, authenticity, Catholicism, LGBTQ+, mental health, genetics, suicide, community, love, support, healing, identity, journalist, ethics, war, trauma, resilience, empathy, responsibility, mental, illness, family, spirituality, identity, sexuality, reporting, hope, grief, healing, understanding, community, compassion, depression, suicide, schizophrenia, bipolar, epigenetics, environment, genetics, inherited, sacred, values, storytelling, bearing, witness, gay, international, danger, intergenerational, legacy, support, care, privilege, resources, authenticity, vulnerability, forgiveness, redemption, transformation
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