Dayna Tortorici, co-editor of n+1 magazine, and Lisa Borst, also a co-editor, dive into their new anthology, The Intellectual Situation. They reflect on the anthology’s diverse essays from 2004-2024, exploring how writing captures the essence of recent political struggles. The duo discusses the emotional weight of narratives during pivotal moments, like the pandemic and social movements. They emphasize the intertwining of personal stories and activism, shedding light on the future of intellectual spaces and the importance of uplifting emerging voices.

Lisa Borst and Mark Krotov, co-editors of n+1 literary magazine, celebrate its 20th anniversary while discussing the evolving landscape of political and cultural critique. They delve into the critical relationship between writers and editors, emphasizing how this bond shapes good writing. The duo reflects on the impact of the Iraq War and the Trump administration on discourse, advocating for long-form essays amid rapid news cycles. They also explore the complexities of personal narratives in memoirs and the nuanced challenges of editing and collaboration in the literary world.