Joe Rogan Experience #2238: Diving Deep with Legendary Writer John McPhee

Ever wonder about the mind of a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer? Joe Rogan sat down with the legendary John McPhee, a master of narrative nonfiction and long-form journalism, in episode #2238 of the Joe Rogan Experience. McPhee, known for his in-depth explorations of diverse subjects, from oranges to canoes, shares insights into his writing process, his fascinating life, and his unique perspective on the world. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in writing, creativity, or simply learning how to observe the world around them with a sharper eye.

TL;DR

John McPhee discusses his meticulous research process, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation before writing.
He shares anecdotes about his diverse writing subjects, highlighting the unexpected stories he uncovers in seemingly mundane topics.
McPhee emphasizes the importance of structure and organization in writing, comparing it to building a house.
The conversation delves into McPhee’s unique writing style, characterized by its clarity, precision, and attention to detail.
McPhee reflects on his long and successful career, offering advice to aspiring writers on finding their voice and pursuing their passions.

Key Topics Covered

The Art of Narrative Nonfiction

John McPhee is a pioneer of narrative nonfiction, and he dedicates a substantial part of the conversation to explaining his craft. He highlights the intensive research he undertakes before even writing a single sentence. This involves immersing himself in the subject matter, conducting extensive interviews, and gathering as much information as possible. He emphasizes that writing is a process of discovery, where the story reveals itself through careful observation and meticulous research. He explains that structure is extremely important in the art of writing. What I found particularly interesting was his take on “The Gravel Page.” This refers to the page of text the writer is working on and how the reader should have no idea about anything that came before or after the information displayed on that specific page.

McPhee also spoke on how he is always looking to improve his writing by any means necessary. He talks about how he will read the same book over and over, just to ensure the content is high quality.

“The key to narrative nonfiction is finding the story within the facts.” – John McPhee

The Importance of Structure and Organization

McPhee believes that a well-structured piece of writing is essential for engaging the reader and conveying information effectively. He uses the analogy of building a house, where a solid foundation and a clear blueprint are crucial for a successful outcome. He discusses different organizational techniques he employs, such as outlining, note-taking, and creating a narrative arc. One thing that really stood out was McPhee’s description of how he approaches structuring a complex story: he breaks it down into smaller, manageable chunks, ensuring each section flows logically and contributes to the overall narrative.

He argues that a writer should try to anticipate where a reader will be at in the story. You cannot front load too much information in the beginning, or it is going to lose them.

Finding Stories in Unexpected Places

One of the most fascinating aspects of McPhee’s work is his ability to find compelling stories in seemingly ordinary subjects. He shares anecdotes about his experiences writing about oranges, canoes, and even the geology of a specific region. He explains that every topic, no matter how mundane it may appear, has hidden depths and untold stories waiting to be discovered. His curiosity and willingness to explore the unexpected are key to his success as a writer.

“You can write about anything if you find the right angle.” – John McPhee

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

McPhee shares a memorable story about his experience writing about oranges. He recounts his travels to various orange groves and processing plants, where he encountered a diverse cast of characters, from citrus growers to juice manufacturers. Through these encounters, he gained a deep appreciation for the complexity and artistry involved in bringing this seemingly simple fruit to our tables. This story highlights McPhee’s ability to transform an ordinary subject into a captivating narrative.

Another interesting anecdote involves his experience writing about canoes. McPhee, who is an avid canoeist, describes his adventures paddling through remote wilderness areas, where he encountered challenging rapids, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating wildlife. He uses these experiences to illustrate the unique relationship between humans and nature, and the transformative power of spending time in the wilderness.

Conclusion

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience with John McPhee is a captivating and insightful conversation with a true master of his craft. McPhee’s passion for writing, his meticulous research process, and his unique perspective on the world make him an engaging and inspiring guest. This episode is particularly interesting for aspiring writers, journalists, and anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling. It is a great listen for anyone looking to find motivation in their writing.