The Gist Finding the Next Terry Gross with Daniel Oppenheimer
Dec 13, 2025
Join Daniel Oppenheimer, a writer and the host of 'Eminent Americans,' as he explores the future of interviewing with Mike Pesca. They dive into why Terry Gross is a unique talent, critiquing the rise of unprepared celebrity podcasts. Oppenheimer discusses how print journalists excel in eliciting deep responses and evaluates candidates like Colin McEnroe and John Ronson who could fill Gross's shoes. They also touch on the art of crafting interviews to balance niche topics with broader audience interests.
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Terry's Constructed Approach To Interviews
- Terry Gross combines ruthless editing with careful construction to give every interview chunk the best chance to work.
- Daniel Oppenheimer says her rehearsal-like approach shapes interviews more than spontaneous live-to-tape methods.
Pick Interviewers For Skill, Not Fame
- Avoid hiring celebrities who treat interviews as Rolodex access without craft or prep.
- Prioritize professional interviewers and journalists who understand eliciting information and follow-ups.
Let Guests Reveal Themselves
- Strong interviewers let guests reveal themselves rather than showcasing their own views.
- Oppenheimer praises Ross Douthat for guiding guests to expose their core ideas without dominating the conversation.