Laura Sullivan

Laura Sullivan, a correspondent on NPR's investigations team, dives into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. She highlights the ongoing struggles communities face in rebuilding after major storms, revealing outdated policies and weak building codes that increase risk. Shannon Jordan’s emotional journey through her childhood home illustrates personal loss, while the podcast critiques the profit motives overshadowing safety in housing development. The urgent need for better flood management and financial recovery processes is also brought to light.

In this engaging discussion, Frank Langfitt, a roving national correspondent, and Laura Sullivan, an investigative journalist, explore the art of audio storytelling. They reveal how transitioning from print to radio changes the narrative, emphasizing the need for simplicity in language. Frank shares a captivating tale of tracking elephants by sound, and they discuss the magic of audio capturing emotions that print can’t convey. The duo also offers tips on interviewing techniques that enhance dialogue, highlighting the depth and humanity that audio can deliver.

Laura Sullivan, NPR News investigative correspondent, reveals the surprising truths about plastic recycling. Despite its popularity, she uncovers that less than 6% of plastic is effectively reprocessed, largely due to challenges in sorting and the complex chemistry of plastics. Sullivan highlights the oil and gas industry's role in shaping public perceptions and critiques the misplaced responsibility placed on individuals. Ultimately, she advocates for reusable alternatives as a more effective solution to our environmental challenges.