Fixable How to break bad habits (w/ Edith Zimmerman) | from How to Be a Better Human
Jan 12, 2026
In this engaging conversation, Edith Zimmerman, a writer and cartoonist for The New Yorker, explores the intersections of creativity and personal growth. She shares her journey from heavy drinking to sobriety, emphasizing how her newfound clarity led her to embrace running as a joyful practice. Edith discusses the importance of journaling and how it fuels her comic work, while navigating the balance between private expression and public engagement. Her insights on testing new interests inspire listeners to approach life with curiosity and openness.
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From Portraits To Playful Stick Figures
- Edith restarted drawing with pen and rudimentary stick figures to avoid overthinking her work.
- That informal practice evolved into a recognizable style through repetition and refinement.
Journal As Raw Material
- Edith pulls material from her daily journal and later selects what feels true to publish.
- She balances private reflection with a compulsion to share moments that feel "just right."
Honesty With Boundaries
- Truthfulness is essential for Edith's work, but she avoids publishing content that humiliates others.
- She aims to render experiences as she felt them while keeping people portrayed kindly.
