#10 - Ben East

Ben East is a writer. His work shows him to be an astute student of soft power. There is a clear through line running between his time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi, his experiences as a U.S. diplomat, and his work as a writer and editor. His career has been decidedly exceptional--which, it should be noted, is the opposite of mediocre.

For more information about Ben, visit his website HERE or follow him on social media at @beneastofeden.

Ben East

Ben & John East, 1976

Ben with students in Malawi during his Peace Corps service

The American Library in Kabul, Afghanistan

US Consulate door after the attack in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Ben and his wife, Deepa Ramesh, preparing nsima, a Malawian staple, in 2002

Ben's recent book, Profiles in Service 

Show Credits:

SP/FS Producer & Host: Christopher Wurst

Opening Voices: Dmitri Wurst, Elena Wurst, Kjara Wurst, Christopher Wurst

Show Artwork: Kate Furby

Voice of Dubious Aunt Deb: Cathy Zielske

Cold Open Music: BWM – The Brina Band

Dubious Ant Deb Music: Cass County Beauty Queen – Alan Singley

Episode Music:

The Globe and the Eagle – John Philip Sousa

Passing Towns, Passing Time – Miles Johanson

Seamless – Blue Dot Sessions

Quatre Saisons Carrosse-Hiver - Bacalao

License to Drift – Diner Express

Search for the Zero Inside Yourself – Doctor Turtle

September – Kai Engel

Interview date: February 28, 2025