142. Meg Wolitzer (writer) – Messages From Another Planet

Love is like umami. Adulthood is accepting the schmo you are. Wordplay and worldbuilding with novelist Meg Wolitzer.

An episode of the Think Again - a Big Think Podcast podcast, hosted by Big Think / Panoply, titled "142. Meg Wolitzer (writer) – Messages From Another Planet" was published on April 7, 2018 and runs 59 minutes.

April 7, 2018 ·59m · Think Again - a Big Think Podcast

0:00 / 0:00

Summary

Ambition and loyalty. What we want versus what we already have and should be grateful for. When there’s conflict here, in some ways it's a tension between loyalty to others and loyalty to ourselves…or maybe loyalty to who we are now versus another possible future self. Have I overcomplicated my life out of impatience and ingratitude? Have I broken something precious beyond repair? Or on the other hand, am I missing out on the life I’m supposed to have? Sometimes I think a lot of the trouble comes from the misunderstanding that these have to be opposing forces at all. These kinds of questions and choices are at the heart of Meg Wolitzer’s novels, of which there are many. She’s the author of THE INTERESTINGS and her latest, THE FEMALE PERSUASION. Surprise conversation-starter clips in this episode: Tali Sharot on confirmation bias and why facts don’t win fights, Michelle Thaler on how success and failure coexist in everyone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode Description

Ambition and loyalty. What we want versus what we already have and should be grateful for. When there’s conflict here, in some ways it's a tension between loyalty to others and loyalty to ourselves…or maybe loyalty to who we are now versus another possible future self. Have I overcomplicated my life out of impatience and ingratitude? Have I broken something precious beyond repair? Or on the other hand, am I missing out on the life I’m supposed to have? Sometimes I think a lot of the trouble comes from the misunderstanding that these have to be opposing forces at all. These kinds of questions and choices are at the heart of Meg Wolitzer’s novels, of which there are many. She’s the author of THE INTERESTINGS and her latest, THE FEMALE PERSUASION. Surprise conversation-starter clips in this episode: Tali Sharot on confirmation bias and why facts don’t win fights, Michelle Thaler on how success and failure coexist in everyone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Bookstore Owner + NYT Bestselling Author Jenny Lawson on How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay

Apr 9, 2026 ·28m

The Perfect Graduation Gift — with Great Life Advice

Apr 8, 2026 ·26m

Zibby Publishing’s Start at the End by International Bestseller Emma Grey

Apr 7, 2026 ·24m

Are Personal Essays Performative? with Kat Rosenfield

Apr 3, 2026 ·21m

Thank You and Announcement from Zibby

Apr 3, 2026 ·5m

Finding Yourself with Blair Glaser

Apr 2, 2026 ·21m

Similar Podcasts

The Play Big Movement Sharon Lechter If you want to be #1 in your field, live your legacy and create maximum impact, The Play Big Movement Podcast is for you. The Play Big Movement was inspired by Sharon Lechter's desire and dedication to play big again after suffering the devastating loss of her son in 2012. After a career of playing big as the driving force behind the talking books industry, the Rich Dad brand and the revival of Think and Grow Rich, the loss of her son stopped her in her tracks…shifting her focus and business endeavors into neutral or autopilot. Today, in honor of her son Sharon is pursuing greatness yet again and is opening her success manual to you so you can join her in the Play Big Movement. In each episode of the Play Big Movement Podcast, Sharon interviews people who are the best in their field: experts, entrepreneurs, business owners, authors, creatives, and all-around successes. You will hear about how each extraordinary guest played big to get to the top, what they had to overcome to get there, Sorry, it’s Me Again Ciara Jade Mardirosian Just a small girl with a big personality. This podcast has been suggested to me to use these as a way to cope and reflect my feelings, and I think it could also be useful for those who also struggle with mental health, communication, and many other issues to have the option to listen in as well. Plus, each of my friends will be featured in episodes in the future and we all know they are as ridiculous as me. It’s super cringey, but I am so excited to share this new chapter of my life with all of you! I hope you guys get the chance to listen to me ramble on :-) I Love Story Time Gahmya Drummond Bey This podcast is more than just story time. It’s a time to share, to think big, and to believe in magic.My challenge for the parent is not to limit the child’s ability. If a concept is “new” start with the book chat, then go to the story, then the book chat again. You’ll be amazed to hear your five yearold begin to teach you about mindfulness, self love, and diversity. You’ll then notice that your child is interested in writing or feeling more confident to share their big ideas with others.This is the magic of learning. 1 big thing Axios Axios podcast host Niala Boodhoo digs deep with leaders you know — or need to know — in business, politics and culture. Every week, all in under 20 minutes.About Axios: Axios is a digital media company launched in 2017. Axios helps you become smarter, faster with news and information across politics, tech, business, media, science and the world. Subscribe to our newsletters at axios.com/newsletters and download our mobile app at axios.com/app. About Niala Boodhoo: Niala Boodhoo is the host of 1 big thing and previously hosted Axios Today She was the founding Host and Executive Producer of the award-winning news program The 21st. An alum of Reuters, The Miami Herald and WBEZ/Chicago, Niala was a 2019-2020 Knight-Wallace fellow.

URL copied to clipboard!