Sound School Podcast

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. 

We tell stories in sound for many, many reasons. For our listener's hearts and minds. For community. For self-expression. For the democracy. For listener's ears. Yes. Their ears. On this episode of The Sound School Podcast, Rob relishes the ear catching qualities of work from Delia Derbyshire (BBC), Michel Martin (NPR), and the Making Gay History podcast. 

Say you're listening to a great narrative podcast. The host has really grabbed your attention and you're pulled in. Then, out of nowhere, the narrator swears. Not once. Not twice. But three times. Including f-bombs. Is that a turn off for listeners? Should narrators swear? Dan Taberski defends his swears in his latest podcast. 

Patient privacy in medical settings is essential. So, how does a reporter convince a facility to let them in with a microphone and assure anonymity of the patient? Selena Simmons-Duffin has answers. She is a health policy reporter at NPR who recently reported inside a primary care facility that provides standard medical care as well as abortions.