The Sacred
Do We Inherit Mental Illness? with ABC Journalist James Longman
Jan 29, 2025
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.
01:02:29
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Quick takeaways
- James Longman highlights the emotional toll of reporting from war zones, emphasizing the need for kindness and empathy in journalism.
- The podcast details Longman's family history with mental illness, illustrating how it shapes personal identity and awareness of inherited trauma.
Deep dives
The Courage to Face Danger
James Longman shares his experiences as a foreign correspondent, emphasizing the paradox of seeking danger in his profession. He describes visiting Chechnya, a place where being gay poses extreme risks, and reflects on the moral complexities of engaging with individuals involved in acts of aggression against vulnerable communities. This pursuit of danger is driven by a desire to illuminate stories often hidden from broader audiences, challenging stereotypes along the way. Longman acknowledges that confronting these difficult realities allows him to highlight shared human experiences, demonstrating that fundamental desires transcend cultural boundaries.
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