James Cairns: Fascination with the age of crises grew from personal crises of addiction

On Creative Writing

On Creative Writing host Sheelagh Caygill talks with writer and academic James Cairns to explore the themes in his new and compelling collection of essays, In Crisis on Crisis. This book blends deeply personal memoir—particularly his account of living with and recovering from addiction—with rigorous academic analysis. James talks about how writing this fusion of personal narrative and scholarly inquiry allowed him to experience deep emotional growth and rich intellectual engagment. The result is a nuanced examination of the crises that define our contemporary moment.

James discusses his approach to unpacking the concept of “crisis,” reflecting on its historical evolution and the ideological battles that shape its meaning in public discourse. He explains how the term is often contested terrain, used by different groups to advance competing political agendas, and how this struggle over language can obscure the real, lived experiences of those most affected by crisis. The discussion moves between the personal and the political, as James draws connections between his own years of addiction and recovery and the broader societal crises we face today—ecological collapse, political polarization, and the erosion of trust in institutions.

James examines the ways in which individual upheaval can mirror and illuminate collective struggles. He shares the challenges and rewards of writing vulnerably about his own life. The author reflects on the risks involved in exposing personal pain and the transformative potential of using one’s own story as a lens for understanding larger social dynamics. In effect, by writing In Crisis, On Crisis, James underscores the power and importance of storytelling in breaking down stigma and fostering empathy.

Parts of In Crisis, On Crisis examining the limitations of liberal democracy in responding to ongoing crises. James writes about the tendency of mainstream politics to treat crises as isolated, temporary disruptions rather than symptoms of deeper systemic problems. He argues for the need to rethink our political and economic structures in order to address the root causes of crisis, rather than merely managing its symptoms. The episode also looks at the role of hope, resilience, and collective action in navigating uncertain times, and the importance of cultivating spaces for honest dialogue and critical reflection.

The word crisis doesn't only apply to James' socio-political explorations in this book. Crisis is something deeply personal. In the book's last essay, titled "Blackout", James turns the spotlight on himself to explore his crises of addiction. Blackout reveals how James' study of Walter Benjamin’s “Theses on the Philosophy of History” led him to reinterpret his alcoholic blackouts and stop drinking. James and Sheelagh discuss his writing of this essay and James explains how Blackout, more than any other essay, really engages his personal history of alcoholism and through the lens of crisis

Listeners are invited to consider how personal and societal crises intersect and inform one another, and how storytelling—both personal and academic—can serve as a powerful tool for making sense of our world. James’s insights offer both intellectual depth and emotional resonance, encouraging listeners to engage thoughtfully with the crises shaping our lives and to find meaning and possibility even in the midst of upheaval.

Whether you’re interested in memoir, political theory, or the art of essay writing, this episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to live—and write—through crisis.

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In Crisis, On Crisis

Q and A with author and academic James Cairns.