It is exam time and thus it is a great time to get caught up on some podcasts I have been neglecting. One of my favourite podcast is from National Public Radio (NPR) called Fresh Air.
Every day they interview almost everyone in a one on one conversation with its host Terry Gross. What I mean everyone, I mean everyone: writers, musicians, actors, doctors, lawyers, comedians, professors, historians, journalists and more. Every week they do a few critic reviews of movies, books and TV which helps keep me in touch with what is somewhat popular in North America.
What I like about the program is the show is about the guest not about the host. Gross allows the interviewee to talk while she guides them through the conversation. Gross doesn’t interrogate her subjects but comes across as more conversational while still taking care of what the listeners wish to hear about. She is well prepared for the interview and often asks questions where the guests don’t know it is coming. There is a great blend of empathy and curiosity in her tone.
For me the best interviews have been with author David Mitchell, John Waters and Stephen Sondheim along with countless interviews with journalist who help explain what is going on in the world around us.
If you have a chance, download it, listen to it. It can be a challenge listening to if you are an E.S.L learner.