Out on the Wire

In this discussion, Robert Smith, Editor of Planet Money, and Jess Jiang, Producer at Planet Money, unravel the chaotic yet creative world of podcast editing. They share insights into the hand logging technique, which identifies key moments that engage listeners. The duo emphasizes the importance of narrative structure and emotional clarity in storytelling. They also delve into navigating creative critiques and the emotional toll of feedback, revealing how these elements can shape a podcast into a compelling audio experience.

Kazuo Kibuishi, acclaimed graphic novelist and creator of the Amulet series, dives into the creative struggle known as the 'dark forest.' He explores how getting lost is part of the artistic journey and shares insights on overcoming self-doubt. Kazuo emphasizes the importance of collaboration, explaining how editors can help revive lost story elements. He also highlights techniques for navigating complex narratives and the necessity of tedious work in honing craft. Join them for inspiration on embracing the messy side of creativity!

It’s one thing to finish a story, it’s another to make stories your career. In our final episode of season one of Out on the Wire we talk to three creative professionals, Jakob Lewis of the podcast Neighbors, Dave Kellett of the comics Sheldon and Drive and the documentary Stripped, and Kelly Sue DeConnick, writer of the comics Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly, about how they create their work, put food on the table, and make a life in the constantly shifting creative landscape.

Dan Waldschmidt, host of Ordinary Heroes, and Debbie Lowry, whose poignant story of caregiving and running is central to the podcast's pilot, dive deep into their creative process. They tackle how to best narrate Debbie's emotional journey, balancing the themes of heroism and grief. The discussion also covers critical editorial feedback, such as the use of music and pacing, while highlighting the transformative power of running as therapy. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, revealing the struggles and triumphs of ordinary heroes.

Our stories are our babies, but not all babies are cute. This week, we figure out just how far we’ve still got to go when we take a finished draft of our own show and subject it to the cold scrutiny of an edit by Robert Smith and Jess Jiang of Planet Money. Our baby was kinda messed up, but he’s much prettier now.  Also: learn what makes Ira Glass mad, find out how editing is like biofeedback, and hear how Rob Rosenthal of the Transom Story Workshop and the HowSound podcast trains the next generation of expert producers and editors. 

Céline Keller, an autobiographical storyteller, takes us into her wild world of raising two baby boars on her father’s remote German farm. She grapples with practical challenges, from recording audio with her father to navigating the legal complexity of keeping boars. Céline discusses the intelligence of wild boars and societal perceptions surrounding hunting. With insights from hosts Jessica and Benjamin, they explore reframing her personal story to highlight broader themes about boars and their ecological impact.

The Dark Forest is where we go when we're deep in the writing process and lose our way. Overwhelming feelings of self-doubt, confusion, and inadequacy threaten to halt our stories’ progress. Sometimes, we forget why we started on the path in the first place. Luckily, many people have been here before, and they can help us find a way out. This week, we get very lost, and find our way back out again, thanks to Jad Abumrad, Jay Allison, Ira Glass, and more. Plus an interview with Kazu Kibuishi, creator of the graphic novel series Amulet.

Critiquing scenes, the hosts dive into an ethnographic memoir about marrying into a new culture. They explore a biographical sketch of dancer Gertrude Hoffman, emphasizing her strategy of imitation. A playful radio play about a dispute over an orange showcases creative storytelling and conflict resolution for children. Workshops focus on enhancing emotional beats, pacing, and vivid details. Overall, it's a dynamic session filled with feedback and imaginative writing.

It’s time to get some ink on that page. We’re in the lab, testing our story hypotheses in the crucible of the writing process. We put things in order, break them down, build them with little blocks, iterate, signpost, and answer the question, “what does Buffy feel?” With the help of Ira Glass, Joe Richman, Soren Wheeler, Glynn Washington, Sean Cole and more.

Dean Johnson, a Minnesota storyteller with hands-on experience in interviewing, shares his unique approach to connecting with those experiencing homelessness. He discusses his memorable encounter with a man begging at a gas station, emphasizing the importance of open questions and active listening. Johnson reveals how he created a comfortable recording setup, helping subjects share their life stories. The conversation also dives into the emotional depth interviews provide, showcasing how unexpected narratives can unfold from genuine curiosity.