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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Show Genuine Curiosity
- Communicate sincere curiosity to guests so they know why you are asking sensitive questions.
- That openness increases a guest's willingness to participate and share honestly.
Three Core Lenses
- Death, Sex & Money centers on relationships, money, and mortality because those drive life decisions.
- Anna Sale frames interviews to explore those core areas rather than skip over them.
Push Past The Pat Answer
- Use follow-up questions to push beyond pat, rehearsed answers.
- Ask the deeper, reframed question like, "But really, aren't you afraid..." to surface honesty.