‘The Interview’: Ocean Vuong was Ready to Kill. Then a Moment of Grace Changed His Life.

This podcast episode features an interview with author and poet Ocean Vuong by David Marchese. Vuong discusses his new novel, "Emperor of Gladness," drawing from his experiences working in fast food restaurants and living in poverty. The conversation explores themes of kindness, suffering, and the complexities of the American dream, as well as Vuong's personal journey, including a past desire to commit violence and his eventual embrace of writing and Buddhism as paths to understanding and helping others. He also reflects on the challenges of class mobility, the loneliness it can bring, and his efforts to support his family and other Vietnamese refugees.