Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso Ira Glass on Three Decades of ‘This American Life’ Magic
39 snips
May 11, 2025 
Ira Glass, co-founder and host of the iconic This American Life, shares insights from his illustrious career in narrative journalism. He discusses the rigorous selection process for stories and the impact of political threats to public media. Reflecting on his early days at NPR, he reveals how mentorship shaped his storytelling approach. Ira dives into what makes a compelling interview and shares pride in particular episodes, all while pondering his legacy and the future of public radio.
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Handle Editorial Notes Wisely
- Accept editorial critique even when you disagree to improve your work.
- Use negative feedback as a signal to rethink and strengthen the story, avoiding personal attachment to flawed ideas.
Early Career Confidence and Growth
- Ira Glass started his media career with no clear plan but eagerness to learn.
- His early confidence helped him get a start despite many skills taking years to master.
Keith Talbot’s Radio Innovation
- Working with NPR engineer Keith Talbot showed Ira Glass the creative possibilities of radio.
- Talbot’s inventive formats inspired Ira to understand radio’s plasticity, contrasting with This American Life’s more structured style.
