Nichole Hill pitched her show idea again and again. And, again and again, podcast companies said "no." But, that didn't stop Nichole. She said "I'm doing it myself!" Our Ancestors Were Messy, a podcast featuring hidden stories from the archives of historic, Black newspapers, launches February 5th. Sound School has the backstory to how Nichole dialed in the format for the show and why she chose a mix of chat and narrative styles. 

Just over 50 years ago, in 1974, NPR took to the airwaves for a 25-hour-broadcast that Rob thinks may be one of the most tedious recordings he's ever heard and one that was also an incredible broadcast service. What is it? You'll have to listen. Trust us. It's worth it. 

Rob's interview with Misha Euceph is one of his favorites. As he says, she's very clear, engaging, and insightful about the craft of audio storytelling. On this archive episode of the show from 2019, they discuss why Misha believed it was important to start each episode of her podcast "Tell Them, I Am" with a personal anecdote.  

Daniel Alarcón, an acclaimed writer and host of 'The Good Whale,' dives into the intricate storytelling woven into narratives about animals. He discusses the emotional weight behind Keiko the orca's journey from captivity to freedom, highlighting the ethical dilemmas in human-animal relationships. Alarcón critiques common narrative strategies, advocating for specificity in writing that resonates deeply with audiences. He also shares insights on the challenges faced during Keiko's relocation, reflecting on the significance of compassion in storytelling.

Nothing seems guaranteed these days for creative audio makers. "Short Cuts" was recently cancelled and "Pretendians" is seeking funding for a second season, two shows on this episode of Sound School that are high on Rob's must-listen list because they elevate the craft and deliver essential storytelling. 

WCAI, the public radio station for Cape Cod, has been told it needs to move -- to leave the home it broadcasts from. An actual home. A former captain's house. News that the house had been sold startled the station staff and the community. In this episode, Rob laments what would be a strike against the station's deep commitment to local service. 

Ajda Kus, a talented reporter from Val 202, shares her insights on merging local nuances with universal themes in storytelling. She emphasizes that connecting with broader experiences makes local tales accessible to everyone. Joining her is Meta Hrovat, a former professional skier and now leader of a family outdoor agency, who reflects on her journey from competitive skiing to redefining her identity. Together, they explore the magic of fairy tales, children's imaginative engagement, and the emotional journey of evolving in a family business.

When should a reporter turn around a leave? At what point do should they say "I won't report on these people. They need their space, not a stranger with a microphone." Jay Nathan faced that exact situation some years ago reporting on a man who was dying of cancer and the friend taking care of him. But, instead of turning around and leaving, Jay stayed. Jay is still haunted by the decision. 

Robert Krulwich, a former co-host of Radiolab, combines his passion for storytelling with insights into personal authenticity. He explores the critical elements of dramatic storytelling, emphasizing conflict and character development. The discussion touches on the tension between formal presentation and natural speech in audio narratives. Krulwich also dives into the emotional landscapes of storytelling, offering techniques for balancing truth and creativity. Ultimately, he encourages storytellers to discover and refine their unique styles for authentic engagement.

"To play and to fail and to get to know each other and to celebrate the craft of making audio... What's better than that," Jasmin Bauomy asks. When inspiration struck, Jasmin put together a four-day audio retreat for about a dozen producers from Berlin. She called the retreat "The Ecco" and it yielded some fantastic storytelling.