What is life? Even though we don’t quite answer that question, I feel like my next guest, Joshua Cogan, and I cover off on just about every other philosophical question there is. If you don’t know Josh, you should. He is quite possibly one of the greatest photojournalists of our time who has won more awards than one can count. As a true citizen of the world, Joshua’s thirst for curiosity, wonder and exploration have taken him to the hidden corners of the earth to capture the stories of indigenous cultures through photography. br /

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On this episode, Josh and I talk about his unusual journey as a self-taught photographer, how he hustled his way at National Geographic to fame and recognition, the mental process he takes to capture rare emotions through his photos, what he has learned over the years in his photojournalistic career, the future of photographic storytelling and even his most vulnerable life moments. Throughout our conversation, Josh and I go off on various philosophical tangents that I am sure you will enjoy. This was hands down one of my favorite conversations to date.br /

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So join me today while Josh and I go deep into the meanings of culture, life, passion, resilience, work, happiness, and much more. All this and more on today’s episode.br /

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Now, That’s Unusual.br /

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Visit www.thatsunusualpodcast.combr /

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ABOUT JOSHUA COGANbr /

Joshua Cogan is an Emmy Award-winning photographer and anthropologist whose work has taken him to 40 countries and 5 continents to produce his unique brand of ethnographic storytelling. Using his passion for culture, ecology and imagery, Cogan has consistently produced work across print, motion and web platforms. Recognition for those projects has come from standard bearers of journalism such as The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as well as SXSW and the Webby Awards for his partnerships creating new approaches to storytelling and cultural exchange.br /

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Growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Cogan craved adventure. This idea of seeking ‘something more’ grew into an interest in archeology and anthropology, as he was drawn to understand different notions of community. After graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a BA in Anthropology and Art History, Cogan did some traveling before moving to DC with the intent of pursuing work at National Geographic, perhaps as a researcher or writer. Unfortunately, the magazine industry was experiencing massive transition and there were few jobs to be had. At the suggestion of his grandmother, he visited the volunteer office at Nat Geo, and convinced them to allow him to help in the photo lab.br /

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A self-taught photographer, Cogan pursued his first story alone, covering a Jewish community in southern India. He has grown into one of the most sought-after journalists of our time, capturing the stories of indigenous cultures through photographs as well as film. His most recent production is a feature length documentary of New Delhi’s last magicians’ ghetto, Tomorrow We Disappear. Widely published and exhibited, he has done work for the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the Smithsonian Institution, The New Yorker, and many others. He is committed to capturing the way cultures operate and evolve via visual media.br /

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To read all show notes and resources for this episode please visit: www.drgautamgulati.com/ep027