Longform Episode 585: John Jeremiah Sullivan
Jun 26, 2024
John Jeremiah Sullivan, writer for NY Times Magazine, discusses his writing process, challenges, and stories in the podcast. Topics include memory, existential crisis, music of 2024, creative nonfiction, and writer's evolution.
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Name and Identity Origins
- John Jeremiah Sullivan adopted his full name professionally to distinguish himself from several other John Sullivans in media.
- The name honors his grandfather and connects him to his Irish heritage in West Cork.
Memory and Fate Perspective
- Sullivan perceives memory as relentless and vivid, replaying all experiences without fading.
- He embraces this as part of existence, seeing his life unfold necessarily without free will, which leads to gratitude.
Writing as Memory Activation
- Writing awakens memories that illuminate details and ideas previously unconsidered.
- Sullivan finds this process thrilling, not routine, preserving a fresh relationship with his work daily.