The Daily Stoic

ESPN's Wright Thompson On What Makes Us Great… And Human

Dec 2, 2020

Join Wright Thompson, an acclaimed writer and journalist for ESPN, as he shares his unique insights into the intersection of sports and culture. He delves into the emotional complexities of ambition and identity, revealing how these themes resonate in both writing and athletics. Thompson discusses the profound impact of personal relationships on success, emphasizing character over achievement. He also reflects on the journey of storytelling and the timeless struggles that connect us all, illustrating the unified human experience through his captivating anecdotes.

56:35

Episode guests

Wright Thompson

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

5min

The Melancholy of Ambition and Understanding

2min

Ambition and Identity in Writing and Sports

9min

Legacy and Ambition: The Price of Greatness

17min

Breaking Patterns: The Influence of Family and Partnerships

5min

The Intersection of Gratitude and Creativity

4min

The Journey of Storytelling and Success

17min

Timeless Struggles: Our Shared Humanity Through History

4min

Ryan speaks with writer Wright Thompson about what drives an author to cover a topic, the similarity between writing and sports, their differing writing processes, and more.

Wright Thompson is an author and journalist who covers the intersections of sports and culture. Thompson has written for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine on topics like auto racing, MMA, bullfighting and more. Thompson wrote The Cost of These Dreams and recently released the New York Times bestselling Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last.

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