Johann Hari: The Obsessive Research Method | How I Write
Apr 30, 2025
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Johann Hari, a renowned author known for his in-depth research and global conversations, shares his unique approach to storytelling. He discusses the significance of emotional connections and vulnerability in writing, emphasizing empathy in interviewing diverse individuals. Hari offers insightful anecdotes from his experiences, including a harrowing tale about an apple in Vietnam. He critiques contemporary journalism while advocating for deeper, more nuanced narratives that explore the roots of personal and societal issues, particularly the impact of disconnection in communities.
Johann Hari's research underscores the importance of personal narratives in understanding complex societal issues like addiction and mental health.
His interviewing technique emphasizes vulnerability and empathy, fostering deeper connections and authentic stories from diverse subjects worldwide.
Hari advocates for clarity in communication by integrating personal anecdotes, ensuring that complex ideas remain accessible and engaging for readers.
Deep dives
The Role of Storytelling in Understanding Complex Issues
The episode emphasizes that understanding systemic problems often requires a narrative approach, as illustrated by Johan Hari's methodology in his research. Rather than starting with preconceived notions about societal issues, Hari begins by examining personal experiences and questions stemming from his life, such as his family's struggles with addiction. This personal connection informs his extensive interviews, which reveal that many of the stories and insights shared are deeply interconnected with broader societal issues. As he highlights, personal narratives provide context that can facilitate a better understanding of complex topics like addiction, attention, and mental health.
The Importance of Deep Research and Interviews
Johan Hari explains his intensive research process, which includes conducting hundreds of interviews around the globe to gather diverse perspectives on the subjects of his books. He employs a metaphor of chasing a bee to find a beehive, indicating that uncovering the truth often entails following leads through many interviews, even those that do not directly make it into the final work. This thorough approach enables him to gather rich, nuanced insights that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of systemic issues. Notably, he integrates both academic research and informal conversations, illustrating the value of various sources of knowledge.
Vulnerability and the Art of Interviewing
Hari discusses the significance of vulnerability in his interviewing technique, stating that he approaches each subject with an open mind and curiosity about their unique experiences. By demonstrating genuine interest and empathy, he establishes rapport, allowing interviewees to share deeper, more authentic narratives. He also acknowledges the importance of physical presence during interviews, noting that sitting at eye level with interviewees fosters a more equitable exchange of ideas. This empathetic approach not only enriches his own understanding but also helps bring the human experience to the forefront of complex social issues.
Embracing Complexity and Ambiguity
Throughout the episode, Hari connects the idea of complexity in human experiences to the stories he shares in his writing. He believes that overly simplistic narratives can lead to misunderstanding, whether discussing addiction or broader societal issues. By illustrating that individuals can embody both admirable and flawed traits, he seeks to avoid categorizing people into binary moral judgments. This nuanced portrayal encourages readers to appreciate the complexities of individuals, thereby fostering empathy and understanding in societal discussions.
The Power of Clarity in Writing
Hari emphasizes that clarity is paramount in effective communication, especially when discussing intricate subjects in his books. He integrates personal anecdotes and practical insights to make complex ideas accessible to readers, aligning with his philosophy of democratic and relatable writing. By avoiding jargon and unnecessary complication, he aims to connect readers to the stories of those he interviews. This focus on clarity not only helps to engage a broader audience but also encourages deeper reflection and understanding of the critical issues at hand.
The world isn’t made of atoms, it’s made of stories. I’ve never heard anyone speak so deeply about interviewing. Johann Hari has written four books, and for each one he travels the globe to record hundreds of conversations. In this episode, he’ll explain exactly how he does it, sharing stories of getting up close and personal with homeless people in Vegas and a crack dealer in New York. In the end you’ll hear a wild story of the apple in Vietnam that almost killed him. Enjoy!
Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
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