Interview #1: How Matt Bai Makes Money Writing

In this interview, Matt reflects on the unpredictable economics of writing—and why learning to adapt is more important than ever.

Matt Bai has spent more than three decades at the highest levels of political journalism—covering seven presidential campaigns, writing for The New York Times Magazine and The Washington Post, and turning his critically acclaimed book All the Truth Is Out into a feature film. Along the way, he’s also worked as a speechwriter, editor, columnist, and screenwriter.

In this interview, Matt reflects on the shifting economics of writing in a post-institutional world, what he’s learned from navigating both Hollywood and Washington, and why managing your own mental space might matter more than managing your time. If you’ve ever wondered what career longevity really takes in today’s media world, this one’s worth your time.