James B. Stewart and Tom Junod on Writing About 9/11

The Press Box

Twenty years have passed since 9/11. Writers Tom Junod and James B. Stewart stop by to remember and reflect on the events of that day. Bryan talks with Stewart to discuss his 2002 New Yorker piece, "The Real Heroes Are Dead," which follows Rick Rescorla—former soldier, officer, security specialist, and hero who helped save thousands of lives on 9/11—through his love story with his wife, Susan (0:53). Later, Tom Junod stops by to talk through his 2003 Esquire piece that focuses on the infamous picture of "The Falling Man." They discuss how the story came about, why finding the identity of the man in the photo was important, and how the story is received years later (27:40).

"The Real Heroes Are Dead" https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/02/11/the-real-heroes-are-dead

"The Falling Man" https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a48031/the-falling-man-tom-junod/

Host: Bryan Curtis

Guests: James B. Stewart and Tom Junod

Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes

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