[A.J. Jacobs, inner stuff]: Replacing the pursuit of success with something more meaningful–and more doable + a great reframe for problems he learned from Quincy Jones Ep 1147

Finding the Throughline with Kate Hanley

In part two of my interview with writer, podcaster, multiple New York Times bestselling author, and human guinea pig, A.J. Jacobs, we talk about the thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that go into writing.

As a reminder, A.J.'s books include “The Year of Living Biblically,” “Drop Dead Healthy,” “Thanks a Thousand,” and his most recent, “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” which chronicled his attempts to adopt the mindset and technology of our founding fathers, including quill pens, muskets, and tricorn hats. A.J. is also a host of the daily podcast, “The Puzzler,” the creator of the Experimental Living Substack, and a frequent contributor to NPR's weekend edition.

Things we talked about include:

- The specifics of his book-writing process (I learned some things I can’t wait to try)

- The tip he learned from a Quincy Jones quote that helps him reframe his problems

- The thing he tells himself that helps quiet his inner critic

- Why he rejects the idea that there is such a thing as an objectively great piece of art, whether it’s a book, painting, or what have you

- His goal for his work and as a human

- What drives him now, 20+ years in, and how that has changed since he first started writing

- Why he doesn’t like astrology

- The therapeutic modality he credits for helping him re-write unhelpful thoughts

For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.

Thank you for listening!

And thanks to this week’s sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value).

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