Sound School Podcast

Rob takes himself to task on this episode. He felt the beginning of the last episode of Sound School was so boring, he rewrote it. Compare the old version with the new version be sure to tell us at Transom which is the better open. 

Theo Greenly reports for a public radio station in the far-flung Aleutian Islands in Alaska. When he started, about two and a half years ago, he thought he'd hit the ground running reporting in-depth, documentary-style pieces. Instead, he learned he really needed to get his bearings first and just report the news. His stories about how to report -- and navigate all the transportation challenges -- in such a remote location are fun and insightful. 

Fiction should stay in its corner, non-fiction in its corner. Or so Rob thought until he heard producer Pippa Johnstone seamlessly and effectively mix the two in her memorable podcast "Expectant," where Pippa explores a remarkably uncomfortable question: In a time of climate change, is it okay to have children? 

In this podcast, Catherine Carr interviews strangers about where they're going and more. She discusses her unique approach and engages in conversations with a couple on a train. They talk about travel, career choices, and life in Poland under Russian control. They also discuss the experiences of a producer who used to work at the BBC and is now a freelancer. The host then interviews a man she met at a subway station, discussing his love story and personal struggles.

Studs Terkel is considered by many to be a patron saint of documentary radio journalism. It's been 15 years since his death. On this archive episode of Sound School from 2012, Rob talks to Syd Lewis who worked with Studs for 25 years. The show also includes a lengthy excerpt from "Working With Studs," a Transom Radio Special produced by Syd, Jay Allison, and Viki Merrick.  

Rob acts as a story DJ, featuring excerpts from pleasing podcasts. Topics include Hurricane Watch Network, Clarence Thomas's beliefs and influence, adoption and forced adoptions, craftsmanship and podcast release schedules, and the profound connection between people and their treasured belongings.

Isaac Kestenbaum, director of the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, celebrates Salt's 50th anniversary. They discuss the impact and success of Salt grads, the Pathways philosophy, and the origins of 'Salt' magazine. They also reflect on growing up with a sibling with autism and share updates on loved ones with autism.

This year's Third Coast Festival winners and finalists produced incredible work. It got us thinking about winners from previous years. So, we dug up this fantastic interview with Rachel Matlow who won a "Best New Producer" award in 2016 for their thoughtful and creative story "Dead Mom Talking."

This podcast explores the progress of a comedy podcast called Bird Talk, discussing the challenges faced during launch, show development, and misconceptions about birds. It also delves into attraction, openness, and challenges in relationships, as well as the financial challenges of podcast creation.

Rebecca Hersher, a climate science reporter at NPR, offers excellent tips on reporting on climate change. But, at the heart of Rob's interview with her is something more philosophical: the role of hope in climate change reporting.