Patrick Radden Keefe, staff writer at The New Yorker and author of several books, discusses his love for high-dollar yogurts and his son's competitive Rubik's cube solving. They also talk about the art of 'write around,' dealings with the Sackler family legal team, and managing parasocial relationships. The hosts share funny stories about receiving and transporting a king-size mattress and debate the challenges of a high-protein diet for powerlifting. They also discuss the return of the NFL, the luxurious flavors of White Mr. White Mustache yogurt, and the dynamics of interviewing and quoting high-profile individuals.
Patrick Radden Keefe emphasizes the importance of conducting 'write arounds' to uncover stories that wouldn't be told otherwise.
Keefe discusses the deceptive marketing practices employed by Purdue Pharma in promoting OxyContin as non-addictive, contributing to the opioid crisis.
Keefe highlights the significance of casting in adapting his works for the screen, while also acknowledging the impact of soundtrack selection on storytelling.
Deep dives
Intriguing Right Arounds: The Art of Uncooperative Profiles
Patrick Radden Keefe, a journalist known for his immersive writing style, talks about his approach to uncooperative profiles. He discusses the importance of conducting right arounds, where he writes about individuals who refuse to give interviews. Through extensive research and interviews with people connected to the subject, he uncovers the stories that wouldn't be told otherwise. He elaborates on the challenges and the need to take threats and intimidation seriously, especially when dealing with powerful figures. Keefe emphasizes that the cover of a book plays a significant role in capturing readers' attention and setting the tone for the story.
Exploring OxyContin: The Marketing and Abuse
Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the topic of OxyContin, the painkiller manufactured by Purdue Pharma. He highlights the marketing strategy employed by the company, which portrayed OxyContin as non-addictive and suitable for various pain conditions. The role of right arounds comes into play as Keefe discusses how he conducted research and gathered information from sources to paint a comprehensive picture of the opioid crisis. Keefe distinguishes between effective pain management and the deceptive marketing practices that led to widespread abuse of OxyContin.
The Intricacies of Writing and Casting for Adaptations
Patrick Radden Keefe shares insights into the process of adapting his works for the screen. He expresses a greater emphasis on the casting process, as finding the right actors is crucial in bringing the story to life. Keefe finds enjoyment in reviewing casting videos and collaborating with casting directors. While soundtrack selection is not a decision he is directly involved in, he acknowledges the impact it can have on the overall storytelling experience.
The Journey of a Podcast and Accolades
Patrick Radden Keefe discusses his acclaimed podcast, 'Wind of Change,' which explores the theory that the song of the same name by the Scorpions was written by the CIA. He mentions receiving recognition, like the Webby Awards and Ambies, for his work. Keefe recounts the process of creating the podcast, from getting emails about potential stories to the unique experience of being a two-time Webby winner. He humorously shares his perspective on the significance of awards and their placement.
The Complexities of Bourdain's Death
During his assignment to write a profile on Anthony Bourdain, the author discovered that Bourdain was in a bad place in his life, particularly after his marriage had fallen apart. Bourdain struggled with depression and found it difficult to fully enjoy the success of his highly acclaimed travel and food show. Although Bourdain's death was ruled as suicide, some people falsely placed the blame on his former partner, Asia Argento. The author cautions against simplifying the complexities of suicide and depression by attributing them solely to one person's actions.
The Legacy of Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain's unique combination of authenticity and subversiveness contributed to the success of his travel and food show. He was willing to traverse unconventional territories and explore genuine cultural experiences through the lens of food. Despite his personal struggles and battles with depression, Bourdain's ability to connect with audiences on a real level made him an icon in the industry. His tragic death created an atmosphere of reflection on the importance of mental health and the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues.
Patrick Radden Keefe is a staff writer at The New Yorker and the author of several books, many of which have turned into your favorite docuseries, and he found time to host the award-winning podcast Wind Of Change. We chat about his love of high-dollar yogurts, Westchester is the Glendale of New York, his son's brief stint as a competitive Rubik's cube solver, without a good cover, his books wouldn't bang as hard, mastering the art of the "write around," his dealings with the Sackler family legal team, I bug him about the ending of Wind Of Change, managing parasocial relationships as a person who's email is wide open, and we get some good stories about his time shadowing Anthony Bourdain near the end.
