52 min
Ep. 37: Jason Roberts: Every Living Thing Page One Podcast
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In Episode 37, we discuss the art and science of storytelling with bestselling, award-winning author, Jason Roberts, whose latest feat of non-fiction, Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All of Life was just published by Random House. Known as “the rescuer of forgotten history,” Jason has deftly created a dual biography that brings to light the opposing scientific philosophies of the French savants Carl Linneaus and Georges-Louis de Buffon and their life-long mission to know the same thing: all living species on earth. What fascinates me most about Jason’s process with this book is that after three years writing it, he came to a dead end, but the story wasn’t over. In fact, it has only just begun. Much like the early scientists he was studying, Jason realized the story he had discovered was about how failures become stepping stones to greater understanding. I can’t think of a more potent parallel to the writing process and birthing a book.
In this special episode with my dear friend, we dive deep into the importance of the pursuit of ‘unknowing’ and how to seduce a reader from page one. If you’re curious how a master storyteller crafts vivid historical narratives, Jason Roberts shares insights and hard-won wisdom about making a daunting task appear easy and even more importantly, something that readers will find deeply meaningful. I hope you enjoy this conversation while you walk, hike, clean, drive or find yourself cozy on the couch! Jason is a gem.
In Episode 37, we discuss the art and science of storytelling with bestselling, award-winning author, Jason Roberts, whose latest feat of non-fiction, Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All of Life was just published by Random House. Known as “the rescuer of forgotten history,” Jason has deftly created a dual biography that brings to light the opposing scientific philosophies of the French savants Carl Linneaus and Georges-Louis de Buffon and their life-long mission to know the same thing: all living species on earth. What fascinates me most about Jason’s process with this book is that after three years writing it, he came to a dead end, but the story wasn’t over. In fact, it has only just begun. Much like the early scientists he was studying, Jason realized the story he had discovered was about how failures become stepping stones to greater understanding. I can’t think of a more potent parallel to the writing process and birthing a book.
In this special episode with my dear friend, we dive deep into the importance of the pursuit of ‘unknowing’ and how to seduce a reader from page one. If you’re curious how a master storyteller crafts vivid historical narratives, Jason Roberts shares insights and hard-won wisdom about making a daunting task appear easy and even more importantly, something that readers will find deeply meaningful. I hope you enjoy this conversation while you walk, hike, clean, drive or find yourself cozy on the couch! Jason is a gem.
52 min