Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin

Colson Whitehead on Life After Two Pulitzers, 'Cool Machine' and What He's Still Chasing

July 21, 2026·34 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

In this special edition of Glass Half Full, Craig Melvin shares his previously recorded full TODAY interview with two time Pulitzer Prize winner, Colson Whitehead, for a conversation about creativity, identity, and what it looks like to keep reinventing yourself after you've already done everything. He opens up about why switching genres with every book is the only way he knows how to stay honest, what ChatGPT said about his new book, Cool Machine, and why, after two Pulitzers, he's still not sure he's done his best work yet.   Glass Half Full is a new podcast from TODAY’s Craig Melvin. Each week, Craig sits down with a celebrity, athlete, comedian or just plain fascinating person for intimate conversations that feel like catching up with an old friend. With warmth, humor, and curiosity, he explores how setbacks become breakthroughs — and how you never really know when that moment can become the moment that changes everything. Join us. Because who knows? You might just leave with a fresh perspective…and your glass half full. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.