#16 - Peter Hessler

Out today! Peter Hessler knew from an early age that he wanted to be a writer. He was also vividly aware that he needed something to write about. It turned out that the thing was China, where he was sent as a Peace Corps volunteer. It became the subject of a trio of books and rich material as a 'New Yorker' correspondent. He was among the first groups of Peace Corps volunteers allowed in China, and later recounted their departure. And he knows this much: It is better to be there than to be absent.

To learn more, visit Peter's website HERE.

Peter Hessler

Peter as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching in China

Peter on China's Yangtze River

Peter in Fuling, China

Peter's avatar from the New Yorker magazine

Peter's first book (Peter Hessler Amazon page HERE)

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:

Brass Buttons – Blue Dot Sessions

Calisson – Blue Dot Sessions

Chicken Steak – Blue Dot Sessions

Climbing the Mountain – Podington Bear

Something Wonderful – Alan Špiljak

Interview date: April 14, 2025