772. Emily Palmer, Investigative Crime Reporter & Marathoner

"I couldn't be just an observer or a reader. I had to be this person that could see everything and find the story."

Emily Palmer's work is intense. As an investigative crime reporter who has worked for the New York Times and People Magazine, and whose work has appeared in the Boston Globe, ProPublica, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, Emily has spent a great deal of time at crime scenes, in courtrooms, and even in Mexico with members of El Chapo's cartel. In this conversation, Emily talks about how and why she has pursued a life of crime — covering crime, that is. She explains her approach to how she does her job, talks about the importance of empathy, and gets into the role running plays during her most exhausting and overwhelming work days.

*Content warning: This episode includes stories and descriptions of violence, including violence against women and children.*

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In this episode:

• What running looks like for Emily right now, one month post-NYC Marathon (3:20)
• What Young Emily was like (11:10)
• How Emily became an investigative crime reporter (16:15)
• What it's like being called to a crime scene (24:20)
• On feeling unsafe on the job (36:00)
• Investigative journalism vs. true crime (40:15)
• The stories Emily is proudest of (45:30)
• On being a "criminal apologist" (1:07:40)
• Emily's shout-out on Brooklyn Nine-Nine (1:13:15)
• How, when, and why Emily became a runner (1:15:40)
• Emily's hopes, dreams, and goals on the run and at work (1:21:00)

For more from Emily:

• Emily's first piece for the New York Times
• Emily's first New York Times byline
• Emily's Carlos Vega story for the New York Times
• Emily's profile of El Chapo's wife (and what she calls her favorite story)
• Emily's People magazine cover story

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