BROADCASTS.com

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.\n\nAs a reminder, A.J.'s books include \u201cThe Year of Living Biblically,\u201d \u201cDrop Dead Healthy,\u201d \u201cThanks a Thousand,\u201d and his most recent, \u201cThe Year of Living Constitutionally,\u201d 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, \u201cThe Puzzler,\u201d the creator of the Experimental Living Substack, and a frequent contributor to NPR's weekend edition.\n\nThings we talked about include:\n\n- The specifics of his book-writing process (I learned some things I can\u2019t wait to try)\n- The tip he learned from a Quincy Jones quote that helps him reframe his problems\n- The thing he tells himself that helps quiet his inner critic\n- Why he rejects the idea that there is such a thing as an objectively great piece of art, whether it\u2019s a book, painting, or what have you\n- His goal for his work and as a human\n- What drives him now, 20+ years in, and how that has changed since he first started writing\n- Why he doesn\u2019t like astrology\n- The therapeutic modality he credits for helping him re-write unhelpful thoughts\n\n\nFor full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.\n\nThank you for listening!\n\nAnd thanks to this week\u2019s 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).\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices