Ep. 71: Susan Orlean, How Curiosity is the Backbone of Thought-Provoking and Unique Journalism

Summary: Susan Orlean is a journalist and best selling author of "The Orchid Thief" and "The Library Book". She has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1992 and has contributed articles to many magazines, including Vogue, Rolling Stone, Esquire and Outside. Her early years in journalism made clear that her curiosity spread beyond the bounds of profiles and meetings. While writing "The Orchid Thief" she did field research in the Fakahatchee State swamps in Florida. The film, "Adaptation", which starred Nicholas Cage, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton, and Meryl Streep, was based off of the book. Orlean sets ambitious writing goals for herself while maintaining her patient and thorough writing style. In her free time, she gardens and cooks to keep her mind active without duplicating the academic demands of her craft. In this conversation, she dives into her upbringing, passions, the multifaceted success of The Orchid Thief, and the favorite of her written pieces. To learn more about Orlean’s books, articles, and upcoming events, visit http://www.susanorlean.com/author/.