Lee Carlson is an author, journalist, and Zen practitioner whose life and writing are grounded in recovery, resilience, and the search for meaning. A survivor of traumatic brain injury, his acclaimed memoir Passage to Nirvana follows his path from near death to healing through writing, sailing, and Zen—a story that found readers across the world.
A veteran of Outside, The New York Times, and NBC Sports, Lee honed a precise, reflective voice shaped by decades in journalism, publishing, and media production for clients including ESPN and Lavazza Coffee. He also produced the award-winning documentary Patriot Guard Riders and has spoken widely on neurological trauma, creative recovery, and mindfulness.
For over 15 years, he studied under National Book award-winning author Peter Matthiessen, whose influence anchors his forthcoming book A Single Excellent Night. Blending memoir, contemplative inquiry, and literary reportage, Carlson’s work speaks to readers seeking meaning in our increasingly chaotic modern lives.
Check out his website below for more information.
