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!

Three creative professionals discuss turning comics, documentaries, and podcasts into sustainable careers. They explore shared business models, advertising and crowdfunding, the changing comic strip industry, and the challenge of balancing ambitious work with family, management, and self-care.

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.

A finished audio story gets a tough edit from the Planet Money team, revealing how ruthless feedback can reshape a piece. Along the way, discover Ira Glass’s editing pet peeves, ways to track your reactions while listening, and how Rob Rosenthal trains emerging storytellers to give and receive useful criticism.

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.

Writing can feel like stumbling through a dark forest of doubt, confusion, and false starts. Kazu Kibuishi shares how he reshaped Amulet, while Ira Glass and Jad Abumrad discuss getting unstuck and finding a story’s direction. Along the way, the conversation explores creative struggle, collaboration, and the moment a project finally begins to take shape.

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.

A story takes shape in the writing lab, where chronology, suspense, scenes, and rhythm turn raw ideas into radio-ready narratives. Ira Glass and other producers share their approaches, while Buffy’s invisible-girl plot offers a playful lesson in building a scene around change. The writing process stays messy, collaborative, and open to revision.

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.