Longform Episode 324: Malcolm Gladwell
Jan 2, 2019
Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author and New Yorker staff writer, dives into his latest projects and insights. He reveals the intricate dynamic of interviewing both famous musicians and unfamiliar voices, emphasizing the challenge of making interviews feel fresh. Gladwell shares the story behind his podcast Broken Record and the joy of musical storytelling. He also discusses the upcoming book, Talking to Strangers, exploring unfamiliarity and its social implications. Expect a mix of humor, nostalgia, and deep reflections on memory and narrative.
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Prime Guests With Meaningful Song Lists
- Ask musical guests to bring lists of songs that meant something to them before recording.
- Use those lists to prompt storytelling and reveal why songs resonated for the artist.
Camaraderie Reveals Creative Joy
- Capturing camaraderie among musicians reveals the joy of creative work and deepens listener engagement.
- Gladwell avoids critical interviews and focuses on shared affection for music.
Roommate Became Podcast Partner
- Jacob Weisberg was Malcolm's DC housemate and later helped launch the podcast company Pushkin.
- Weisberg's career connections pulled Gladwell into the podcast venture.
