Podcast Summary: Worklife with Adam Grant – Episode: John Green on Fighting Diseases of Injustice
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Guest: John Green, Author and Educator
Introduction to John Green and His New Work
In this compelling episode of Worklife with Adam Grant, organizational psychologist Adam Grant welcomes renowned author and educator John Green. Green, best known for his bestselling novels such as The Fault in Our Stars and his educational initiative Crash Course, delves into his latest endeavor—addressing tuberculosis (TB) as a critical disease of injustice.
John Green (03:08): "When I got out of college, I thought there were like three doctor, lawyer and other. And I knew I was going to be an other."
Green reflects on his journey from aspiring writer to a passionate advocate for combating neglected diseases, emphasizing the unexpected paths that lead to meaningful impact.
Unveiling “Everything Is Tuberculosis”
Green introduces his new book, Everything Is Tuberculosis, highlighting its focus on the intersection of infectious diseases and social injustice. The conversation underscores TB as a neglected yet deadly disease, claiming approximately 1.25 million lives annually.
John Green (05:43): "To me, tuberculosis is the exemplary disease of injustice because we know so little about it and we talk so little about it. I mean, this is the deadliest infectious disease in the world, and yet I didn't know that."
Through personal anecdotes, Green shares his encounter with Henry, a TB patient in Sierra Leone, whose story personalizes the global crisis and drives Green's commitment to raising awareness and advocating for better treatment accessibility.
The Economics of Disease and Systemic Inequities
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the economic disparities in healthcare, particularly how TB treatment is undervalued compared to more profitable medical interventions.
John Green (09:22): "The short answer to why we don't cure it is that we simply have systems that don't value all human lives equally."
Green contrasts the cost of curing TB with cancer treatment, illustrating the irrational allocation of resources based on profitability rather than human need. He critiques pharmaceutical companies for prioritizing profitable drugs over essential treatments, revealing a systemic flaw that perpetuates health injustices.
Activism and Advocacy: Strategies for Change
Green elaborates on his activism approach, highlighting the balance between private and public efforts to influence pharmaceutical practices.
John Green (11:48): "Because these systems require these companies to try to maximize profit, a lot of times there's a misalignment between the needs of human health and the needs of the market."
He recounts successfully pressuring Johnson & Johnson to reduce the price of Bedaquin, a vital TB drug, by leveraging both private negotiations and public accountability. Green emphasizes the importance of collective action and policy advocacy to drive systemic change.
Public Investment and Global Health
The conversation shifts to the necessity of public investment in combating TB, underscoring the role of organizations like USAID and Partners in Health.
John Green (13:45): "Public investment is hugely important. The majority of people who've seen their treatment interrupted by the USAID defunding stockouts will die."
Green warns against the consequences of defunding critical health programs, highlighting the cascading effects of interrupted treatments leading to drug-resistant strains of TB, which pose a global health threat reminiscent of the early 20th century.
Personal Reflections and Mental Health
John Green opens up about his struggles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and how it intertwines with his work on diseases, emphasizing the human aspect behind the advocacy.
John Green (19:55): "I spend a lot of time thinking about disease, probably more than the average person... it's just super important. I'm confused why other people don't worry about it."
He discusses the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health issues, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being.
Facing Book Bans and Censorship
The episode touches on the troubling trend of book bans, particularly targeting LGBTQ authors and authors of color, including Green himself.
John Green (26:28): "It's devastating. I mean, it hurts. It really has hurt the ability of my books to reach people."
Green expresses frustration with the restrictive measures that hinder access to diverse and impactful literature, advocating for the protection of intellectual freedom and the vital role of educators and librarians in combating censorship.
Creative Process and Overcoming Writer’s Block
Green shares insights into his creative process, offering practical advice for aspiring writers on overcoming writer’s block and fostering creativity.
John Green (27:27): "I give myself permission to be bad... Just start and be bad. The first word is so much harder than the second word."
He emphasizes the importance of action over perfection, encouraging writers to begin their projects without the fear of initial shortcomings.
Lightning Round Highlights
The episode includes a lively lightning round where Green answers rapid-fire questions, revealing his thoughts on various topics:
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On AI and Creative Careers:
"I don't know. And I think anyone who says they know is not telling the truth." (40:38)
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On Long-form Content:
"I say long live long form. Long form is the future, I think." (41:14)
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On Personal Preferences:
"Dr. Pepper is the greatest achievement in human history... it's my daily companion." (41:32)
These responses showcase Green's candid and thoughtful nature, blending humor with depth.
Call to Action: Combating Tuberculosis
In concluding the episode, Green urges listeners to support organizations fighting TB and to advocate for increased funding and policy support.
John Green (42:35): "Support those organizations any way you can. Fight for every dollar of tuberculosis research and response."
He underscores the urgency of addressing TB as a matter of global justice, emphasizing that eradication is achievable with collective effort and resources.
Final Thoughts: Meaning and Purpose
Green reflects on the meaning of life, defining it through community and mutual support, and expresses his personal goal to help others become more aware of critical issues.
John Green (43:14): "The meaning of life is to be with each other, to be in community, and to carry each other through everything in life."
His poignant closing remarks encapsulate the episode's themes of empathy, responsibility, and the profound impact of individual and collective action.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
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John Green on TB as a Disease of Injustice (05:43):
"To me, tuberculosis is the exemplary disease of injustice because we know so little about it and we talk so little about it." -
On the Economics of Health (09:22):
"The short answer to why we don't cure it is that we simply have systems that don't value all human lives equally." -
Activism Strategy (11:48):
"Because these systems require these companies to try to maximize profit, a lot of times there's a misalignment between the needs of human health and the needs of the market." -
Meaning of Life (43:14):
"The meaning of life is to be with each other, to be in community, and to carry each other through everything in life." -
Overcoming Writer’s Block (27:27):
"I give myself permission to be bad... Just start and be bad. The first word is so much harder than the second word."
Conclusion
John Green's in-depth discussion on Worklife with Adam Grant offers a profound exploration of how individual passion and systemic challenges intersect in the fight against neglected diseases like tuberculosis. His blend of personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and heartfelt advocacy provides listeners with both inspiration and a call to actionable change. Green's emphasis on community, empathy, and the equitable valuing of human lives serves as a powerful reminder of the role each person can play in fostering a more just and healthy world.