Navel Gazing

John Dickerson discusses instinct versus obligation and reflects on personal growth since the first episode. Topics include measuring life beyond writing prowess, the connection between feelings of obligation and writing, and the importance of staying true to personal values in creativity.

Journalist and author John Dickerson shares insights on Mother's Day, playing tennis with the Attorney General, health scares, childhood aspirations, and unique idioms. He reflects on memorable encounters, shared spaces, and the importance of nurturing care. Dive into his personal journal entries and reflections on resilience and connection.

Essayist and commentator John Dickerson reflects on moving in New York in 1991 vs 2021, memories of 9/11, challenges of apartment hunting, living in a small NYC apartment, and personal reflections on lost loved ones and new spaces.

Author John Dickerson delves into productivity routines like the Pomodoro Technique, the significance of a meditation pillow, and the impact of a teacher's profound questions on life fulfillment. The podcast explores the psychology behind to-do lists, the struggles of traditional productivity methods, and the importance of intentional living influenced by renowned authors. It also highlights the craft mindset inspired by Professor Ernest Mead and the value of starting small to achieve productivity goals.

Essayist John Dickerson reminisces about his early days in NYC, sharing stories of onboarding his assistant, tips on renting, and getting lost in the village. He references E.B. White's 'Here is New York' and discusses lessons learned from Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.

John Dickerson, essayist and host, discusses the art of attention and slow-looking. Topics include the significance of numbers, personal reflections on family history, math class memories, Audible partnerships, cryptocurrency risks, and the transformative power of mindful observation in art. The chapter emphasizes the value of slowing down, enhancing attention skills, and finding gratitude in small moments.

John Dickerson, an essayist, reflects on the loss of his dog, George, in his notebooks. He discusses the essayist's dilemma, the comfort of quiet mornings, and the deep emotional connection with his dog. The podcast delves into the impact of George on his family, the beauty of morning routines, and a listener's moving encounter at a park.

In this week’s essay, John remembers dropping his son off at college, and trying to hold onto moments and feelings while you can.  Notebook Entries:Notebook 75, page 6. September 2021:They chose you. Notebook 15, page 4. April 2004:Sitting with Brice by waterfall. Throwing rocks in stream. Loading sand from dump truck and loader and back again. References:What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithSongwriter Nick CaveTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Podcast production by Cheyna Roth.Email us at navelgazingpodcast@gmail.com  Want to listen to Navel Gazing uninterrupted? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock ad-free listening to Navel Gazing and all your other favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/navelgazingplus to get access wherever you listen. HostJohn Dickerson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring themes of loss and transition, the host reflects on coping with personal life changes. From the passing of a pet to a child leaving for college, insights on communication and emotional connections are shared. The importance of responding to subtle bids for connection is emphasized along with reflections on Sunday neurosis and writing habits. Shared reflections on changing phases of life reveal a sense of mutual understanding amidst transitions.

Journalist John Dickerson reflects on his career, including covering the BCCI scandal and his TV anxieties. He invites listeners to 'Naval Gazing,' where he dives into personal reflections from his 30-year-old notebooks.