The Daily Stoic Author Evelyn McDonnell On Joan Didion’s Life and Legacy (Pt 1)
Join Evelyn McDonnell, writer and journalism professor, as she shares insights on Joan Didion’s remarkable life and legacy. They discuss the resurgence of psychedelics and how artists navigate existential questions. McDonnell highlights Didion's unique perspective, weaving personal tragedy with societal issues, and reflects on her struggles with mental health and family dynamics. The conversation unpacks Didion's resilience amid adversity and explores the complexities of her heritage, all while illuminating her profound impact on literature.
01:03:28
Didion's Stoicism
- Joan Didion embodies a quiet strength despite her appearance and profession.
- She tackles pivotal moments of her time with stoic resilience.
Timeless Journalism
- Joan Didion’s writing has lasting power, connecting with generations.
- Her journalistic approach creates a timeless record of history.
Psychedelic Reality
- Ryan Holiday reflects on the romanticized view of psychedelics in literature and culture.
- He contrasts this with realistic accounts of their negative impacts.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 4min
Exploring Stoicism Through Literary Insights
04:29 • 4min
The Artistry and Legacy of Joan Didion
08:09 • 12min
Exploring Joan Didion's Complex Legacy and Historical Context
20:29 • 6min
Joan Didion: Evolution of Perspective
26:18 • 16min
Joan Didion: Resilience Amidst Adversity
42:10 • 7min
Facing Life's Fragility
49:26 • 19min
Navigating Vulnerabilities and Podcast Support
01:08:29 • 2min
Political fictions
Joan Didion
Political Fictions is a collection of essays by Joan Didion that critically examines the American political landscape from the late 1980s to the early 2000s.
The book deconstructs the narratives of three presidential campaigns, the impeachment of Bill Clinton, and the role of journalists like Bob Woodward.
Didion's essays reveal how political narratives are crafted and how they shape public perception, providing a disturbing portrait of American democracy.
Notes from a Native Daughter
null
Joan Didion
Where I was from
Joan Didion
Joan Didion's "Where I Was From" is a deeply personal and insightful exploration of her family history and its connection to the mythology of the American West.
The book delves into the complexities of her family's past, revealing both the triumphs and tragedies that shaped her identity.
Didion masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and sharp observations on the changing landscape of California.
The narrative challenges romanticized notions of the West, exposing the darker realities of its settlement and the lasting impact of colonialism.
Ultimately, "Where I Was From" is a poignant reflection on the enduring power of place and the search for meaning in a constantly evolving world.
The obstacle is the way
Ryan Holiday
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes.
Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will.
He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs.
The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges.
Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
Stillness is the Key
Ryan Holiday
In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more.
The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body.
Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life.
He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness.
Growth Hacker Marketing
Ryan Holiday
In this book, Ryan Holiday explains how the marketing landscape has changed and introduces the concept of growth hacking.
He argues that traditional marketing methods are no longer effective and presents a new approach that emphasizes achieving product-market fit, targeting specific groups, and creating viral growth through scalable and trackable methods.
The book includes case studies from companies like Dropbox, Instagram, and Airbnb, highlighting how these businesses achieved massive growth without traditional marketing.
Holiday stresses the importance of continuous product optimization and user feedback to drive exponential growth.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.
Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature.
Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
The Year of Magical Thinking
Joan Didion
In 'The Year of Magical Thinking,' Joan Didion recounts the year after her husband's sudden death, delving into the intense and often irrational nature of grief.
The book is a raw and unflinching account of her emotional journey, detailing her 'magical thinking' – the belief that her husband would return.
Didion also navigates her daughter's severe health crises and grapples with the fragility of life.
The memoir blends personal narrative with investigative journalism, citing medical literature and psychological studies to understand the grieving process.
It is a powerful exploration of loss, memory, and the human experience of mourning.
Blue nights
Joan Didion
A poignant reflection on motherhood, loss, and the passage of time, exploring the complexities of family relationships.
Slouching Towards Bethlehem
Joan Didion
Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a collection of essays by Joan Didion that captures the essence of 1960s America, especially in California.
The book includes twenty essays that cover a wide range of topics, from the counterculture movement in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district to personal narratives and character portraits.
Didion's essays explore themes such as the decline of traditional values, the disillusionment of the American Dream, and the tumultuous social changes of the era.
The title essay, 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem,' is a vivid portrayal of the hippie culture and its contrast with its idealized representations, drawing imagery from W.B.
Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming.
' The collection also includes essays like 'On Keeping a Notebook' and 'Goodbye to All That,' which reflect on Didion's personal life and writing habits.
Through her keen observations and vivid storytelling, Didion provides an unflinching and insightful overview of America during the 1960s.
The World According to Joan Didion
Evelyn McDonnell
The World According to Joan Didion by Evelyn McDonnell is a unique exploration of the life and work of the iconic writer Joan Didion.
The book delves into Didion's journey from Sacramento to the heights of literary fame, examining her writing through singular motifs like her typewriter and notebooks.
McDonnell provides a thoughtful assessment of Didion's importance while also acknowledging her complexities and flaws.
Ego is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday
In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success.
The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives.
Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers.
The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.
The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test
Tom Wolfe
The book is a firsthand account of the experiences of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, a group of psychedelic enthusiasts who traveled across the United States in a painted school bus called Furthur.
The narrative, written in the New Journalism style, later referred to as Gonzo Journalism, details their use of LSD and other psychedelic drugs, their 'Acid Tests' parties, and interactions with notable figures of the 1960s counterculture, including the Grateful Dead, Hells Angels, and Allen Ginsberg.
The book also explores Kesey's exile to Mexico, his arrests, and his impact on the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
On this episode of the Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan talks with writer, academic and associate professor of journalism, Evelyn McDonnell. Together they discuss the resurgence of psychedelics, how will you deal with tomorrow, the job of the artist, and her book The World According to Joan Didion.
Evelyn McDonnell, professor of journalism in the LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, has been appointed the inaugural faculty director of Media Arts & A Just Society (MAJS), effective January 2024. The acclaimed journalist, essayist, critic, feminist, native Californian, and university professor who regularly teaches Didion’s work, is attuned to interpret Didion’s vision for readers today.
Inspired by Didion’s own words—from her works both published and unpublished—and informed by the people who knew Didion and those whose lives she shaped, The World According to Joan Didion is an illustrated journey through her life, tracing the path she carved from Sacramento, Portuguese Bend, Los Angeles, and Malibu to Manhattan, Miami, and Hawaii. McDonnell reveals the world as it was seen through Didion’s eyes.
Signed copies of The World According to Joan Didion are available at The Painted Porch.
✉️ Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail
🏛 Check out the Daily Stoic Store for Stoic inspired products, signed books, and more.
📱 Follow us: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.