Mike Finkel: Art Heists, Identity Theft & Journalism, Inside the Mind of a NYT Best-Selling Author
Aug 29, 2023
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Mike Finkel, successful author and former journalist, discusses art heists, identity theft, and journalism. Topics include Mustang memories, adventures in dangerous environments, craft of narratives, NYT & new beginnings, the manipulative nature of a psychopath, finding story ideas as a journalist, art theft as a love story, aesthetics and ethics, AI in journalism, challenges of mindfulness in fatherhood, the hermit's story, reflections on fairness, exploring the interface between aliens and humanity, belief in the scientific method, fiction vs. nonfiction writing, balancing work and personal life, and the quest for world peace.
The author's books delve into the edges of morality and society, exploring the complexities of human behavior and the limitations of established laws and social constructs.
Through personal relationships with subjects like art thief Stefan Brightweiser, the author explores the ethics surrounding art theft and cultural appropriation.
The author challenges societal norms by delving into extreme and unconventional stories, offering intricate studies into human morality and individuality.
The story of Chris Knight, the Hermit, challenges traditional notions of human experience by living alone in the woods for 27 years and finding contentment in complete solitude.
The future of journalism lies in adapting to digital formats and engaging with readers in meaningful ways, despite the decline of print magazines.
Travel broadens perspectives, dismantles stereotypes, and teaches empathy, adaptability, and appreciation for diverse ways of life.
Deep dives
Reaching out to Chris Longo
Upon reading about Chris Longo, a murderer who took on the author's name, the author reached out with a handwritten letter expressing curiosity and a desire to understand his actions.
Exploring the Boundaries of Morality
The author's books explore the edges of morality and society, delving into the stories of individuals who defy social norms. It highlights the complexities of human behavior and the limitations of established laws and social constructs.
The Relationship with Brightweiser
The author reached out to art thief Stefan Brightweiser after reading about his unique approach to stealing art out of love. The author's curiosity and fascination led to a personal relationship and a deep exploration of the ethics surrounding art theft and cultural appropriation.
The Exploration of Limits
Through his books, the author delves into extreme and unconventional stories to challenge societal norms and explore the boundaries of human behavior. His subjects, from murderers to hermits to art thieves, offer intricate studies into human morality and individuality.
Chris Knight, the Hermit: A Life of Solitude
Chris Knight, also known as the Hermit, spent 27 years living alone in the woods of Maine. This extraordinary story goes against the idea that humans need connection and challenges traditional notions of human experience. Knight found contentment in complete solitude, breaking into unoccupied cabins to sustain himself. His arrest and subsequent imprisonment forced him into a cage with another person, an ironic twist for someone who sought complete isolation. The fascination with this story lies in exploring the depths of human solitude and the complexities of our need for connection.
Writing Style and the Future of Journalism
Writing style and future of journalism has evolved significantly. With the decline of print magazines and the rise of digital media, the focus has shifted towards online storytelling. The constraints of space in print magazines have given way to longer, more immersive pieces in digital formats. While the future of journalism may seem uncertain, the desire to share stories and connect with others remains strong. As a writer, it is crucial to adapt to these changes and engage with readers in meaningful and concise ways.
The Value of Travel and Embracing Fear
Travel holds immense value in broadening one's perspective and understanding of the world. It is an opportunity to step out of one's comfort zone and experience different cultures and environments. Additionally, travel helps dismantle stereotypes and challenges preconceived notions. It is an enriching experience that teaches empathy, adaptability, and appreciation for diverse ways of life. Overcoming the fear of travel opens up countless opportunities for personal growth and lifelong memories.
The Jealousy and Admiration for Photographers
Photographers possess a unique ability to communicate and share stories in a universal language. Their images have an immediate impact that transcends barriers of language and literacy. Writers often envy photographers for their power to capture and convey emotions and meanings in a single frame. The collaboration between writers and photographers can be a dynamic partnership, each complementing the other's strengths. The pressure and challenges that photographers face to capture the perfect shot adds to the admiration for their craft.
The joys and challenges of being a photographer
The podcast explores the unique experiences of being a photographer. The speaker highlights the dichotomy between fully experiencing a moment and the mental process of capturing the perfect shot. They discuss the importance of building rapport with subjects and how photographers often need to balance their own introverted tendencies with the need to engage with others.
The subjective nature of truth in nonfiction writing
The speaker delves into the concept of truth in nonfiction writing. They express the belief that there is no absolute truth, using the example of different perspectives on a car crash. The speaker discusses their approach to nonfiction, aiming to convey emotional resonance by grounding stories in real events. They also touch on the limitations of art forms and the freedom that literature has in conveying truth.
Thoughts on optimism, mental health, and the unknown
The podcast episode explores various topics relating to mental health and optimism. The speaker discusses their optimism and acceptance of uncertainty, acknowledging that not everyone is wired the same way. They also mention the potential benefits of psychedelics and the creative aspects of mental health struggles. The conversation touches on the limits of human knowledge in fields like AI and neuroscience, highlighting the enduring mysteries of the human brain and the nature of reality.
Mike Finkel is one of the most successful contemporary authors in the non-fiction genre. He has written three books, all of them New York Times Best Sellers, with two being sold as movie rights to big Hollywood studios and one made into a major motion picture by Brad Pitt's Production company.
Mike is a raconteur who has worked for the world's top journalistic outlets. Mike was fired from the New York Times Magazine for creating a composite character of child cocoa plantation workers in West Africa. That event, and subsequent social opprobrium, almost ended his career. But Mike's persistence led him through a dark time and into a new life trajectory as a highly successful author.
His latest book, The Art Thief, is the story of Stephan Brietweiser, who stole up to $2 bn, with a capital B, of art throughout Europe in the early 2000s. Like all his true crime subjects, Mike befriended Stephan and wrote the definitive work on the greatest art thief ever to have lived.
His stories span the globe, with fascinating insights into human nature and the creative act balancing act of the non-fiction Novel.
🔥 HIGHLIGHTS 🔥:
📜 Mustang Memories: Relive Mike & Ted's captivating expedition in Mustang, Nepal.
💥 Adventures at the Edge: Whether it's confronting a tank in Afghanistan or threading the thin lines of conflict zones, Mike knows danger firsthand.
📓 Craft of Narratives: Dive into Mike's approach to storytelling for the crests of journalism.
😲 NYT & New Beginnings: The whirlwind journey from Mike's NYT exit to the allure of true crime.
📚 Tales That Push Boundaries 📚:
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