458: Ancient vs. Hyper-Mortal (w/ Paige Lewis!)
Jun 24, 2026 · 48m
Summary
John Green and poet Paige Lewis discuss Green’s reluctance to rewrite his early novels and the emotional difficulty of rereading past work. They advise a listener on overcoming writer’s block by embracing imperfection and establishing routine. The duo also reflects on the isolation of fame, the joys of aging like appreciating nature, and the physics of sending love to the sun.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Paige's new book Canon
John's embarrassment over his early novels
Paige on editing and Marianne Moore anecdotes
Discussion on immortality and ideal lifespan
Advice for overcoming writer's block
The isolation of fame and dating writers
Reflections on being 22 and teaching high school
Becoming a tree person and childhood memories
Sponsor reads for Quince and Shopify
The speed of love and saying 'I love you'
Responsibility to self vs others and Rilke
AFC Wimbledon news and closing credits
Listen ad-free on Castria