Alissa Hessler is a writer and photographer, most well-known for her now decade old project, Urban Exodus. Through countless podcasts, stunning atmospheric photography, and candid interviews, Alissa has documented the lives and transitions of hundreds of former urbanites who decided to move to the country. These stories share the triumphs and difficulties they've experienced since leaving the conveniences of city life. Her book Ditch the City and Go Country, was hugely helpful and inspirational to me during my own move to the country. In 2020, I helped Alissa launch the Urban Exodus podcast, with which I worked with her as a producer on.

In our conversation we speak about Alissa’s personal journey in following love to the countryside, the creation of Urban Exodus, the history of urbanization and the hollowing out of rural communities, accepting ideological differences, preparing for the AI future, and retaining our humanity.

Show Links:

Substack: http://simoneleon.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simone.leon/

Alissa’s Links:

Urban Exodus website: urbanexodus.com

Urban Exodus Podcast: urbanexodus.com/podcast

Alissa’s website: alissahessler.com

Book: Ditch the City and Go Country: https://bookshop.org/a/15851/9781624143915

Mentioned in this Episode:

WSJ: Parents in Tech Want Their Kids to Go Into the Arts Instead: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/parents-in-tech-want-their-kids-to-go-into-the-arts-instead-6966b658

Music and editing by Simon Linsteadt: www.simonvictorlinsteadt.com

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