Longform Podcast #585: John Jeremiah Sullivan

John Jeremiah Sullivan, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, has built a reputation as one of contemporary journalism’s most distinctive voices. His work has appeared in publications including Harper’s, The New Yorker, and GQ. Sullivan is also the author of two books: the essay collection *Pulphead* (2011) and the forthcoming *The Prime Minister of Paradise: The True Story of a Lost American History*, scheduled for release this year.

In a recent interview with Longform, Sullivan reflected on his career and the craft of writing. “I love making pieces of writing and trying to find the right language to say what I mean,” he said. “It's such a wonderful way of being alive in the world. Your material is all around you. I'm lucky that it has stayed interesting for me. It hasn't faded. The challenges of writing, they still glow.”

Sullivan’s writing often blends cultural criticism, personal narrative, and deep historical research. His essays explore music, race, religion, and the American South with a style that is both erudite and accessible. In *Pulphead*, he examines figures as diverse as Michael Jackson and a Mississippi punk band, while his upcoming book revisits a little-known historical episode involving a 19th-century American who became prime minister of a Pacific island nation.

Currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Sullivan has taught writing at institutions including the University of Mississippi and Columbia University. His work has been recognized with the National Magazine Award and the Windham-Campbell Prize. Despite his critical acclaim, Sullivan has maintained a focus on narrative depth over sensationalism, a choice he described as essential to his process.

“There’s something really satisfying about being able to spend a lot of time on a story and really dig into it,” he said in the interview. “I think that’s the kind of writing that lasts.”

Sullivan’s upcoming book, *The Prime Minister of Paradise*, draws on extensive archival research and interviews to reconstruct a forgotten chapter of American history. The narrative follows James Houston, a Tennessee man who, in 1844, became prime minister of the Kingdom of Hawaii under King Kamehameha III. The book explores themes of cultural displacement, imperial ambition, and the often-complicated legacy of American influence abroad.

Sullivan’s ability to uncover compelling stories in overlooked corners of history has earned him a loyal readership and critical praise. His work reminds readers that journalism and literature are not just about reporting events, but about finding meaning in them.

With *The Prime Minister of Paradise* set for release in 2024, Sullivan continues to expand his body of work, reinforcing his place as a leading figure in literary journalism. His commitment to language, research, and storytelling offers a model for writers navigating an increasingly fragmented media landscape.