The Turnaround with Jesse Thorn Anna Sale
Jul 20, 2017
Anna Sale, host of WNYC's Death, Sex & Money, dives deep into the art of intimate interviewing. She shares how her background in political reporting shapes her current style, emphasizing the importance of asking tough questions with sensitivity. Anna discusses the balance between preparing for famous guests and keeping the conversation spontaneous. She reveals techniques for moving beyond rehearsed responses and highlights the challenges of addressing sensitive topics while maintaining trust. Plus, hear how she balances her new role as a mother with her compelling work.
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Reconfirm Consent After Big Disclosures
- Treat on-record personal disclosures seriously and recheck consent before airing sensitive material.
- Follow up with guests if they reveal unexpected personal stories so they can choose how they're identified.
Emotions Over Sensational Details
- Tabloid facts matter less than the emotional terrain behind them.
- Anna prefers exploring feelings and complexity rather than extracting black-and-white explanations.
Treat Interviews Like On‑Deadline Reporting
- Apply deadline-reporting skills to long interviews: plan questions, prioritize tape, and listen intensely.
- Structure beginning, middle, and end but stay present to follow emerging moments.