ABC’s James Longman on Family, Trauma, and Reporting from the Frontlines (Part 1)

Feb 7, 2025

James Longman, ABC News Chief International Correspondent, has reported from over sixty countries and authored the memoir 'The Inherited Mind.' He shares his poignant journey through family trauma, exploring the legacy of mental illness that has affected multiple generations, including his father’s struggle with schizophrenia and eventual suicide. Longman discusses the impact of these experiences on his life and career, weaving together personal narratives with the broader implications of genetics and resilience in overcoming inherited challenges.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Unexpected Beginning

James Longman's career as a journalist began unexpectedly in Syria.
He reported on the civil war, driven by a desire to understand human experiences in extreme situations.

ANECDOTE

Family Secrets

James Longman's mother shielded him from the truth about his father's death.
He later learned about his father's schizophrenia and suicide during a fight with his mother.

ANECDOTE

Unveiling the Truth

James obtained his father's medical records, revealing the realities of his schizophrenia.
Reading his father's words during psychosis, including disturbing requests, deeply affected James.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Having reported from over sixty countries, from the front lines of wars in Ukraine and Syria to the wilds of the Antarctic, ABC News Chief International Correspondent James Longman has witnessed the extremes of human existence firsthand.

But the story that has stayed with him the longest is closer to home. In his new memoir, The Inherited Mind, James applies his journalistic skills to explore a family legacy marked by mental illness, and the science and people that shape us.

James was just a preteen at boarding school when his father, who struggled with depression and schizophrenia, died by suicide. His uncle was also diagnosed with schizophrenia, and his grandfather also ended his life. As James grew older, his own battles with depression led him to examine how his father’s mental health might have influenced his own. Drawing on conversations with leading experts, he delves into the science of inheritance, the impact of environment on genetic predispositions, and how one can overcome a familial history of mental illness and trauma.

On January 30, James was joined in conversation with longtime friend, barrister and broadcaster Rob Rinder for a powerful discussion on family, resilience, and frontline reporting, live at the Kiln Theatre in London.

---------

This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.

For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:

- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts

- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series

- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events

...

Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:

- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts

- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series

…

Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.

…

Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.

https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices