co-host with Kai Wright Stateside with Kai and Carter On the Guardian. But Wright has been bringing his unique insight to listeners for years. He has also hosted Notes from America, United States concernsAnd prime. He is a Peabody Award-winning journalist who has profiled powerful people, explored what it means to be American, and chronicled the AIDS epidemic.
When he’s not delving deeply into sex, race, and politics, he’s gardening, listening to John Coltrane, and persistently refusing to buy a new phone. Wright was kind enough to give us a glimpse of his daily routine, how he relaxes, and gave some simple but powerful advice.
What is your most indispensable tool?
Who is least appreciated?
Cart. seriously though. Pick up enough dirt and rocks around, and you’ll appreciate the great utility of this original design.
What’s one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
I wish I could buy a smartphone and never have to buy another smartphone again, forever. Why should it continue to become obsolete? (Of course, I haven’t actually bought a new phone for God knows how many years; I just accept what my partner says. So I’m complaining on the whimsical principle.)
How many tabs do you have open right now?
The window I am using at the moment has 10 tabs open. Yes, that’s a pretty reasonable number, thanks. However, I have 11 more windows open, and I can’t account for what’s in them.
What was the most frustrating gadget you ever owned?
I won’t name brands, but I promise you can make a coffee machine very complex. I’m trying to cut down on caffeine so I can be a functioning human being. I don’t want an engineering challenge.
What’s something you wish you had created?
I wish I had thought of The Memory Palace – which is still the best podcasting for me. A short, sweet, deeply human history of our world. A person, telling you a well-written story.
What creation are you most proud of?
Can I say my entire, entire garden? It’s an exercise in constant learning and applying knowledge and trying again, and I’ve heard from experienced gardeners that you never really figure it out. Excellent.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Live an honest life. try your best to convey the meaning yourself Truth, and choose accordingly.
What do you do when you feel stuck?
Listen to John Coltrane records.
What’s the last piece of physical media you purchased?
What will be the tagline of your biopic?
“What happened…”
What was the last GIF or meme you used?
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