A woman in complete service to what she does, who is even willing to die for her work, definitely fits the archetype of the heroine. Lynsey Addario is a photojournalist who has photographed women under the Taliban, documented misogyny in the Congo, and been on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11. From capturing the lives of transgender prostitutes in New York to her continued work on Syrian refugees and those displaced by war, Lynsey seeks to do justice for her subjects by capturing the true essence of their humanity.

Lynsey is also a New York Times bestselling author. Her memoir, It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War, is so filled with vivid details and vulnerability, including her very close call as a hostage in Libya, that Steven Spielberg will soon be directing a movie based on her life starring Jennifer Lawrence. Lynsey’s spirit and drive will inspire you to recognize the unique impulses and passions we all have inside of us.

Show Notes:
-Growing up with parents who encouraged her to express herself, follow her dreams, and learn things for herself. [4:19]
-Receiving her first camera, becoming a self-taught photographer, and breaking into the business (which involved sneaking a shot of Madonna). [8:10]
-How Lynsey found her calling early on, and the inspiring purpose that drives her. [12:53]
-How she furthered her career by asking for an advance on the wedding she didn’t intend to have. [15:31]
-Bringing milk and cookies to transgender prostitutes: Lynsey’s method of getting to know people before photographing them. [17:20]
-Going to Afghanistan as an unmarried, American female photographer during a time when photography was outlawed by the Taliban. [22:07]
-The unique barriers (and dangers) of being a woman photojournalist. [25:43]
-The brutal week she spent as a hostage in Libya: Being groped and assaulted and constantly threatened with execution. [28:56]
-Deciding to have a child after surviving the ordeal in Libya, plus Lynsey’s thoughts on living a “dual life”. [34:19]
-“This job is not about me, it’s about the people I cover.” Lynsey shares how she’s able to continue her work despite the trauma and violence she’s seen. [38:48]
-An incredible story of kindness from a young boy displaced by war, plus what Lynsey is working on now. [42:59]

References:
Lynsey’s Website – www.lynseyaddario.com
You can find Lynsey’s best-selling memoir (now in paperback!) on Amazon.com – Search “It’s What I Do” in books.

Episode Sponsors:
UENO – ueno.co/careers
InVision – invisionapp.com/company

Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com