Longform Episode 324: Malcolm Gladwell
Jan 2, 2019
Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author and New Yorker staff writer, dives into his latest projects and insights. He reveals the intricate dynamic of interviewing both famous musicians and unfamiliar voices, emphasizing the challenge of making interviews feel fresh. Gladwell shares the story behind his podcast Broken Record and the joy of musical storytelling. He also discusses the upcoming book, Talking to Strangers, exploring unfamiliarity and its social implications. Expect a mix of humor, nostalgia, and deep reflections on memory and narrative.
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Lifelong Friendship From First Grade
- Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Hedlum met in first grade and stayed best friends for decades.
- They grew up an hour west of Toronto and remained close through college and careers.
Inventing Wexford Harding For Campus Paper
- In college Malcolm and Bruce created a fake sports columnist named Wexford Harding for their campus paper.
- The character wrote humorous, invented backstories and became a recurring joke between them.
Mixtapes Shaped Gladwell's Taste
- Bruce introduced Malcolm to most of his early music exposure by lending records and making mixtapes.
- Gladwell credits many musical discoveries and birthday mixtapes to Bruce's influence.
