Guest Bio
Dimitry Elias Léger is an award-nominated novelist whose work blends global storytelling with deeply human themes of identity, resilience, and belonging. A finalist for the PEN Open Book Award, his writing has appeared in leading publications including The New York Times, Time, Fortune, Granta, The Miami Herald, Literary Hub, and The Millions.
Before focusing on fiction, Léger built a career in international affairs, studying geopolitics at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and spending a decade advising the United Nations. His work took him across regions facing political instability, humanitarian crises, and cultural transformation—experiences that now inform the emotional depth and global perspective of his novels.
Drawing inspiration from his Haitian roots and a life lived across continents, Léger splits his time between Brooklyn, Geneva, and Martinique. His books, including God Loves Haiti and Death of the Soccer God, explore the intersection of personal stories and historical forces, often set against vivid international backdrops.
Show Summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Dimitry about his journey from global humanitarian work to becoming an internationally recognized novelist. Dimitry shares how his early experiences—growing up between cultures and later working with the United Nations—shaped his worldview and ultimately influenced the stories he felt compelled to tell.
The conversation dives into the origins of his first novel, inspired by his time in Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake. Rather than focusing solely on tragedy, Dimitry chose to explore the unexpected presence of love, humor, and human connection in the aftermath of disaster. That same lens carries into his latest work, Death of the Soccer God, a story rooted in migration, identity, and the global journey of a Haitian athlete navigating life between countries and cultures.
Along the way, Dimitry reflects on the creative process, the realities of life as a writer, and the personal sacrifices that often come with pursuing meaningful work. The episode also explores how travel, displacement, and distance from home can sharpen one’s sense of identity—and why some of the most powerful stories emerge when we are far outside our comfort zones.
Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.
Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.
